Gilbert Council Secures Pay Raise for Its Members

Mayor Brigette Peterson, who is not seeking another term in office, voted against the salary raises on Tuesday.

GILBERT, Ariz. — The Gilbert Town Council has voted to grant themselves a salary increase.

During an extended council meeting, officials elected to adjust their annual salaries based on a 15-year consumer price index growth calculation. The decision raises the mayor’s salary from $43,631 to $57,149, while each council member’s salary will increase from $21,012 to $31,749. Periodic salary adjustments were also approved moving forward.

Town records show that council salaries have remained unchanged since 2018.

Mayor Brigette Peterson, who is not seeking re-election, voted against the salary increases. “I don’t think it’s the right time to be asking for a raise for this council,” said Peterson. “I don’t think we deserve to ask for a raise from the public right now.”

Recently, Gilbert’s leadership has faced public scrutiny, especially following the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord in Queen Creek, which has drawn more attention to teen violence issues. Some residents have called for town officials to resign due to the alleged mishandling of the “Gilbert Goons” issue.

Council members argue that their roles demand more than what is typically expected of part-time positions. “We are on stage 24/7 and have to watch our backs 24/7,” said Councilman Chuck Bongiovanni.

The salary adjustment aims to make Gilbert’s compensation more comparable to neighboring Chandler, which has a similar population size. Chandler’s mayor earns $58,461, while its council members earn $34,234.