Long Beach City Officials to Receive Pay Raises Amidst Significant Budget Deficit and Layoffs
Long Beach is facing a substantial budget deficit of $58.2 million, leading to proposed deep cuts and the elimination of 483 positions, including 263 filled and 220 vacant roles. Despite these widespread reductions, the city's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes higher pay for several top city officials, including Mayor Rex Richardson, City Manager Tom Modica, City Council members, and various department directors. Mayor Richardson's annual salary is budgeted to increase by $5,763, from $192,323 to $198,086. City Manager Modica's salary will see an $11,487 increase, bringing his total to $384,697. City Council members are slated for an approximate $1,829 raise, increasing their salaries from $47,693 to $49,522. Several department directors, whose departments are also facing staffing cuts, are budgeted for thousands of dollars more. Mayor Richardson and City Manager Modica have stated they will donate their respective increases. Many of these increases are mandated by the City Charter, employment cont... 
