Salinas City Council will address a proposed increase in compensation for council members.

The cost of rent, groceries and mortgage payments have steadily increased over the past four decades, but there is one figure that has remained stagnant: city council compensation.

Since a 1984 rule that last established base compensation levels, many city councils across California have not received increases, with monthly compensation ranging from $300 to $1,000. But that is about the change.

In June, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 329, which allows cities to adjust city council members’ compensation for inflation. As a result, the possibility of increases is being brought before area city councils, including Soledad and Salinas.

Currently, Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig earns $9,600 annually ($800 per month), while council members earn $7,200 (or $600 per month).

With the adjusted amounts, the mayor and council members would earn $30,600 annually ($2,550 per month is the maximum amount allowed for a city the size of Salinas). This is about a 400-percent increase.

“It’s kind of like sticker shock, but imagine if someone didn’t get a raise for 40 years,” Salinas City Councilmember Andrew Sandoval says.

When compared with other cities of a similar size, Salinas’ monthly compensation is low. In Sunnyvale the mayor receives $3,884/month while councilmembers earn $2,913. In Hayward, the mayor is paid $3,474, while a councilmember gets $2,081. In Oxnard, the mayor and council each earn $1,701 monthly.

In addition to keeping up with inflation, the law is intended to increase the diversity of those willing to run for public office. Councilmembers must attend community meetings, events, follow up on constituent inquiries and more, without staff aiding them in their responsibilities.

Craig and Sandoval say fair compensation will remove barriers to running for office, including for parents, part-time workers and low-income workers. Craig notes could mean the ability to pay for a babysitter while attending a meeting. Salinas has had two female mayors to date, Anna Caballero and Craig, while Soledad has had only one, Anna Velazquez.

Salinas City Councilmember Anthony Rocha said during a Nov. 14 discussion that it would allow hourly workers like himself to participate in regional boards without losing money for requesting time off from work.

Councilmember Steve McShane opposed the increase, saying public service shouldn’t be motivated by money.

Residents, meanwhile, spoke for and against the raise. Opponents cited matters they deemed more important, including attracting and retaining police officers and fixing infrastructure.

According to the plan before the council, the new compensation package will be the same across the board, although some residents contend the mayor’s compensation should be higher. Craig agreed, suggesting an increase to take effect for the next mayor. The council decided on equal compensation across the board.

The vote on the compensation increase will take place on Jan. 9. If approved, the new levels will go into effect 30 days after the vote. Funding for the salary bump will come from the city’s general fund.