Residents of Mountain View have been stepping up to learn how the Town sets elected officials pay, our short-term and long-term budget goals, and what it means to operate under a “strong mayor” system. Here’s a good starting place with some general facts:
Mayor’s Pay
In Mountain View, the Mayor currently earns $37,500 per year, while Council members earn about $4,800 annually. Health insurance and retirement funds listed in the budget are staff benefits. The Mayor does not currently receive them.
By law, Council sets the Mayor’s salary before the term begins, meaning any adjustments would apply only to the next term’s Mayor. Council’s intent is to make the role financially accessible, since Mountain View’s strong mayor system functions as a full-time job.
Town Government Structure
Mountain View operates under a strong mayor system, as written in the Town Charter. This means the mayor is the town’s chief executive responsible for supervising departments, signing contracts, managing the day-to-day administration, and helping chart a responsible path for the town’s sustainable future. Although the scale is very different, comparisons to Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo are used, as they share this structure. Changing it would require a vote of the people.
Budget Reality
The 2025 budget included an anticipated operating deficit of about $599,000, a planned use of prior-year savings to fund police staffing and capital investments. This was a deliberate public policy decision approved by Council in public meeting after discussion and citizen input. The Town currently maintains much more than the reserves required under both our reserve policy and TABOR, Colorado’s constitutional requirement to keep emergency funds. At midyear 2025, as detailed by our Town Accountant at a recent public meeting, actual spending is right on track, with General Government costs at roughly 46% of budget—exactly where they should be for the halfway point of the year.
Auditor’s Report
The recent 2024 Audit review noted that reserves would only run out in about 2.5 years if Council chose to spend savings every year, in this same way. Of course, no one has proposed this scenario. Council is actively working on diversifying revenue sources to support long-term services without relying on savings from prior years.
The Bigger Picture
While the Mayor may give recommendations related to the budget, the Council is responsible for passing it. The Mayor only votes in the case of a tie. The salary discussion is not about the current Mayor seeking more pay, but about ensuring the role is financially viable for future leaders. Without fair compensation, only those with independent wealth could serve, limiting who can run for office.
Mountain View has been steadily professionalizing services, investing in infrastructure, and planning for financial sustainability. Council’s 2025 goals, adopted unanimously, emphasize fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long-term community investment. Thank you to all of our citizens who are working to become informed and engaged in the work of local governance in our beloved little town. I encourage residents to reach out to Mayor Mitcham or any of your elected officials when you have questions. Municipal budgeting is different from household budgeting and we are all in this together.
