Just before the July 4 holiday, Hollywood city commissioners voted to significantly increase their own salaries — more than doubling the mayor’s pay and boosting commissioners’ earnings by nearly 35%. The raises, approved during a lightly attended July 2 meeting, took effect immediately.
Mayor Josh Levy will now earn $100,000 annually, up from $54,873 — an 82% increase. Commissioner salaries will rise from $51,943 to $70,000, a 34.7% bump. The vote also included new perks: additional “assignment pay” for members who serve on county or state boards and health insurance coverage for commissioners after they leave office, provided they’ve served at least eight years.
Commissioner Peter Hernandez, who made the motion, said the pay bump is aimed at making elected office more accessible.
“I based it on what our neighbor to the north is doing and I just rounded the number,” he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “For the amount of hours you put in and the amount of work you do, the salary doesn’t correspond. Some people have told me the only people who can run are retirees or rich people. I’m just trying to make it competitive and get young professionals to run.”
Levy supported the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Adam Gruber.
“It takes it closer to Fort Lauderdale,” Levy said during the meeting. “In Fort Lauderdale, the commission makes $89,000 and the mayor (makes) $106,920.”
The topic was originally listed for discussion only, with the city’s Human Resources director presenting data on how Hollywood salaries compare to those in other Broward cities. Staff had recommended a modest increase — just $1,645 more for the mayor and $451 for commissioners.
But halfway through the discussion, Hernandez introduced the motion to enact larger increases immediately, along with the added benefits. Levy noted the vote would require support from at least five commissioners since it wasn’t posted as a resolution on the agenda. The commission opted for a voice vote, prompting the city clerk to clarify who voted “no.”
Commissioners Caryl Shuham and Idelma Quintana opposed the raises. The rest voted in favor.
The decision marks the second time this year that Hollywood’s elected officials have raised their own pay. Earlier in 2024, the mayor’s salary was increased by nearly $17,000, and commissioners received raises of almost $24,000.
