Costa Mesa Approves Multi-Year Pay Raises for Police and City Staff Amid Budget Gaps

Costa Mesa officials moved forward with salary adjustments for police, police managers and city employees after council members approved three union agreements on September 1. The police and management groups will receive four biannual 2% raises over the next 18 months, beginning with a retroactive increase dated July 1, and an added $200 monthly health contribution, raising their total to $2,619. Bilingual officers are slated for an additional 2.5%-5% of base pay depending on proficiency.

City staff covered by the Employees Association will see two 3% raises and a $200 health contribution starting January 1, 2027, climbing to $2,200 per month by January 2028. The pay hikes, budgeted at almost $3 million this year and $3.7 million next, come as the city projects a $2 million deficit for fiscal year 2027 and larger shortfalls through 2029-30. Councilmember Loren Gameros described the outcome as a successful negotiation, and the council also voted 5-2 to place a business-license tax increase on the November ballot. Similar raise discussions are occurring in neighboring Huntington Beach, highlighting regional fiscal pressures.