Jackson council advances salary hike for mayor, council starting in 2027

The Jackson Town Council voted to adopt Ordinance E on first reading March 2, advancing a pay increase for elected officials that would take effect for people sworn in on or after Jan. 1, 2027 (consistent with state law barring mid-term salary changes). The proposal would set the mayor’s salary at $53,000 per year and councilors’ salaries at $44,000 per year; officials sworn in before that date would stay at current pay levels set by Ordinance 1371. See the ordinance text and staff fiscal analysis in the March 2 agenda packet: Regular Town Council Meeting Agenda Packet.

Town staff said the current annual salaries are $50,000 for the mayor and $41,000 for each councilor (with one councilor listed at $36,000 in 2026), last updated in 2024. A 5.64% calculated increase would bring the figures to $52,821 and $43,313, which the ordinance rounds to $53,000 and $44,000. The town estimates total salaries would rise from $209,000 in 2026 to $220,000 in 2027, with an additional $6,528 in associated FICA and pension costs for a total annual increase of $17,528 (with FY27 impact shown as $8,764 because the change would begin in 2027). Regular Town Council Meeting Agenda Packet.

The change stems from a compensation review requirement in the municipal code tied to general election years; staff brought the salary-review item to council Feb. 17 and noted two council seats are up for election in 2026, meaning newly elected or re-elected officials could be the first to receive the higher amounts in 2027. Review of Council Salaries.