Celia Jiménez here, wondering how much compensation is fair for local politicians serving on city councils.
For some, it has become a controversial topic, while for others, it is an opportunity to diversify the local councils.
In January 2024, Senate Bill 329 went into effect, which allowed cities to adjust council compensations for inflation.
Since then, Salinas and Monterey have increased their compensations. Monterey, for example, followed the state guidelines with $950 per month for councilmembers and $1,418 for the mayor, plus health insurance, which could vary from $997.15 to $2,635.62/month, depending on the number of dependents.
In the case of Marina, prior to 2025, the last time the city council increased compensation was in 1990. Imagine not getting a raise for 35 years.
In that time, according to a city staff report, the cost of living has increased more than 300 percent.
“As the city has grown in population and complexity, the hours required, and resources needed to prepare for and attend city council meetings and perform other functions of the city council have increased significantly,” the report says.
The current salary is $250 monthly for the mayor and $200 for council members. On Feb. 4, after a nearly two-hour discussion, including a presentation, discussion and public comment, the council decided to move forward with a 900-percent increase to $2,000 for councilmembers and $2,250 for mayor, with cost of living adjustments and travel reimbursement. The motion passed 4-1 with Mayor Bruce Delgado opposing.
Many residents who spoke during public comment were open to an increase but lower than the one the council approved.
The ordinance is back on tonight’s agenda. (The meeting starts at 6:30pm.)
While many would disagree with politicians increasing their own compensation, I think the proposed increase isn’t outrageous, although it looks like it. Because, let’s face it, no one would be willing to work the same job with the same pay for 35 years, even if the elected councilmembers come and go.
Being a councilmember is more than attending a city council meeting; they participate in local events and town halls, serve on various regional and city boards/committees and review lengthy agenda packets.
Some councilmembers in the cities I cover have shared with me that they invest more than 20 hours per week (that would be $10 per hour, below the minimum wage in California).
And while I think councilmembers deserve fair compensation, their work should include a list of responsibilities they should fulfill, like responding to emails or getting in touch with constituents in a timely manner.