Guess Who's Getting a 25% Raise!

Dear OCEA member,

Last week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to give themselves a 25% raise, with Supervisor Katrina Foley providing the only dissenting vote. The County CEO and County Counsel also received significant raises. “Orange County Supervisors Now Make More Than California’s Governor,” the Voice of OC reported.

This decision is insulting, especially as the County tells its workers “to reduce costs, we need hard freezes and spending restrictions,” and to “prepare for uncertain times.” Front-line staff serve the most vulnerable with fewer resources (like eliminating desktop printers), while top officials reward themselves instead of prioritizing community needs.

The “County family” message rings hollow when executives put themselves first. OCEA members work around the clock for the public, yet the Board meets only twice a month. Rewarding such limited service with a 25% pay increase, on top of car allowances and huge staff budgets—while claiming budget woes—is pure hypocrisy.

In his book, “Leaders Eat Last,” leadership guru Simon Sinek wrote that “leadership means giving to others first.” When leaders take for themselves, they lose trust. We urge the Board to reconsider their raise and meet with front-line workers to understand how the current budget impacts services and morale. County employees are told to cut spending and hiring while maintaining the same level of services and standards. The Board must see how out of touch they are with those serving the community.

We’ll send this message to the Board of Supervisors and County CEO so they know how their actions effect staff. We need leaders who truly "eat last."

In Frustration and Solidarity,

Team OCEA

Publication Date: June 30, 2025