City council members addressing important salary increase decisions
The San Antonio City Council has approved a 23% pay raise for City Manager Erik Walsh, increasing his salary from $374,400 to $461,000. This decision, which marks the first salary update for Walsh since 2019, has sparked differing opinions among council members, especially considering the economic challenges faced by many residents. As Walsh’s compensation aligns more competitively with other city managers, questions about budget allocation and the livelihoods of city employees remain prevalent in the community.
In a significant move, the San Antonio City Council has voted overwhelmingly—9-1—to grant a whopping 23% pay raise to City Manager Erik Walsh, raising his salary from $374,400 to an eye-popping $461,000 starting January 1, 2025. This adjustment marks the first salary update for Walsh since he took office in January 2019, and it’s causing quite a stir among residents and council members alike.
Let’s break it down: with the new salary enhancement, Walsh’s total projected cash compensation will soar to $476,300 when factoring in a $500 monthly car allowance. Money talks, and this increase is designed to make Walsh’s pay more competitive with that of other big city managers, such as Austin’s T.C. Broadnax. The council hopes to keep San Antonio’s managerial position on par with other metropolitan hubs.
Interestingly, this new contract grants Walsh an “indefinite term” in his position. Yet, it’s worth noting that the $75 phone allowance has been stripped from his contract, making it a bit less sweet. It raises questions about how the council balances expenditure and accountability, especially in light of the city’s current economic landscape.
While most council members support this decision, not everyone is on board. Councilmember Melissa Cabello Havrda stood alone in opposing the pay raise, voicing her concerns about how almost one-third of San Antonio’s residents live in poverty. Havrda argues that such a significant salary bump for one individual might not sit well with the many struggling families in the local community.
The decision came on the heels of a November 2024 vote where residents chose to repeal a city charter that limited salaries and tenure for city managers. Previously, there was a cap that restricted managers from serving more than eight years and earning more than ten times the city’s entry-level wage. With voters favoring the repeal, the council seems to have taken the opportunity to adjust Walsh’s salary accordingly.
Though the council’s vote has implications for Walsh’s salary, it also raises questions about the livelihoods of regular city employees. Notably, the entry-level hourly wage for city workers recently increased from $17.50 to $18, with unions pushing for it to reach at least $20 by October 2025. The firefighters’ union, who favored the previous cap on managerial salaries, is eyeing upcoming contract negotiations to remind the council about the pay disparity.
Furthermore, the new amendments to Walsh’s contract do not include any performance-based or retention bonuses that were a part of previous contracts held by former City Manager Sheryl Sculley. This brings up questions about the effectiveness of previous compensation structures.
As San Antonio heads into new governance next year, it’s noteworthy that the next mayor and council are also slated for pay increases of over $24,000 due to another charter amendment approved by voters. The dynamics of budget allocation, remuneration, and public service are heating up in this vibrant city.
As the dust settles on this robust pay increase for the city manager, many residents are left contemplating what it means for the future of San Antonio—its finances, its workforce, and its vision for equitable growth and opportunities. The city’s administration continues to navigate complex community challenges while balancing the allure of competitive compensation.
The spotlight is now firmly on Walsh and the council, as stakeholders and residents alike keep a keen eye on upcoming developments and decisions that could shape the future of this treasured city.
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