Let’s keep public service in Hillsdale about serving the people—not personal paychecks.

On April 3, 2025, the Officers Compensation Committee—made up of Hillsdale citizens—voted 3 to 2 to recommend an unprecedented raise for our city’s mayor and council members. This proposal would increase the mayor’s annual compensation from $3,000 to $25,000 and city council members’ pay from $1,000 to $10,000.

This would be a raise in excess of 700% (900% for council if passed) for what has historically been a service-driven, part-time, figurehead position. The rationale offered was that higher pay would attract “better” candidates and justify higher expectations. But public service in Hillsdale has never been about the money—it’s been about love for our community, and genuine concern to do the right thing for the people our elected officials represent locally.

If passed by the City Council on April 21, Hillsdale would have the highest compensation package for a city council/mayor in a city of our size and structure in the entire state of Michigan. Comparable cities compensate their mayors anywhere from $500 to $5,000—not $25,000

We believe this drastic raise is unjustified and out of touch with our current fiscal concerns and priorities at this time.

We believe these substantial salary increases are unjustified and misaligned with the spirit of public service. They could set a concerning precedent for our city’s fiscal priorities.

We urge the Hillsdale City Council to reject these proposed raises and maintain the current compensation levels for our elected officials.

If you are a citizen of Hillsdale, please sign this petition to voice your opposition to the proposed salary increases and advocate for responsible fiscal management in Hillsdale.

If you would like to watch the meeting as it transpired on April 3, below is a link to the video.