(FOLSOM, CA) — The Folsom City Council on Tuesday approved a salary increase for City Manager Bryan Whitemyer, raising his annual compensation to $332,072 — up from $319,300 — following a favorable 12‑month performance evaluation. The increase moves Whitemyer to the “top step” of the city’s salary schedule. The decision immediately drew criticism from several residents who questioned the timing of the raise given the city’s financial challenges.
Resident Bill Turner, speaking during public comment, questioned the timing of the raise while essential services remain limited. "I need to remind the council that we have a fire engine that's been closed in the city and we should be looking to conserve every penny we can, rather than spending more."
Resident Jag Nagendra, who is also running for Folsom’s District 3, spoke in opposition to the proposed salary increase for council members, stating: "I recognize the compensation for the council members is relatively very, very modest, but public service is at its core a choice, one not driven by financial gain. The city’s own budget clearly showed that Folsom is facing a structural deficit. We're still not out of the woods.”
“Considering this, moving forward with the salary increase reflects poor judgment, irresponsible leadership and misplaced priorities,” Nagendra said. “This is not about the dollar amount. It's about leadership. Public service is a responsibility, not an entitlement. Approving this increase now risks undermining public trust. I respectfully urge the council to defer any salary increase until the city achieves a stable and sustainable financial position."
(Vice Mayor Anna Rohrbough stood by the decision to authorize a salary increase during the March 24 city council meeting. Credit: screenshot of Metro Cable 14 YouTube video.)
Despite public objections, Mayor Justin Raithel and Vice Mayor Anna Rohrbough stood by the decision, arguing that Whitemyer's leadership was essential to stabilizing the city’s finances over the last year. "He's actually kind of right-sided our city," Vice Mayor Rohrbough stated, noting that the current budget is now balanced.
Raithel added that maintaining competitive compensation is necessary to retain strong leadership. “What we didn’t want to do is take other cities’ or the county’s second- or third‑rate employees to save a few dollars,” he said. “We don’t think in the long run that saves us money.”
The raise was approved as part of the consent calendar. According to a City of Folsom staff report, Whitemyer’s compensation package also includes $23,948 in deferred compensation.
The council’s decision underscores an ongoing divide between maintaining competitive executive compensation and responding to residents’ concerns about fiscal restraint. With Folsom continuing to navigate long‑term budget challenges, both city leadership and community members agree that the coming year will be critical in determining the city’s financial stability.
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