ENCINITAS — The City Council on March 25 unanimously approved a 2.7% increase in base salary for City Manager Jennifer Campbell, along with adjustments to her overall compensation package.
Prior to the vote, Councilmember Joy Lyndes noted the demands of the position.
“She has us as her bosses,” Lyndes said with a laugh.
Campbell remains the city’s highest-paid employee, with a base salary now set at $327,022, according to city documents.
The updated agreement also includes a $500 increase to her annual car allowance — now $6,500 — and an increase in severance from nine to 12 months.
City officials said the compensation package was based in part on comparisons with city managers in other municipalities across San Diego County.
The council appointed Campbell as city manager on March 5, 2025.
Councilmember Marco San Antonio said his initial apprehension about staff briefings shifted under Campbell’s leadership.
“Throughout the year I’ve been here, it has changed to [now] I have so much fun at my staff briefings,” San Antonio said. “They’re serious, but we laugh and we talk about things and it’s very much a place I want to be. I want to be here.”
Councilmember Luke Shaffer said he had considered increasing Campbell’s pay beyond what she requested, citing her leadership and communication skills.
“We are lucky to have her. Period,” Shaffer said. “She’s the best thing that’s happening to the city right now and everybody here that works for her wants to work for her.
“She’s small, but she’s mighty.”
Deputy Mayor Jim O’Hara said Campbell has supported staff and helped foster a positive culture at City Hall, while also representing the council effectively.
“I think she does her best to represent all of us up here — who have very different views — equally and I think that is probably a lot harder than we give her credit for,” O’Hara said.
Mayor Bruce Ehlers said Campbell inherited “a bit of a mess,” but has done a “hell of a lot of heavy lifting” to improve the organization.
“Is it done? No, of course not,” Ehlers said. “I’ve never been in an organization where everything was perfect and done, but we are better. And it is Jennifer that is doing that. I would say we are lucky to have you in this role.”
