Home » Sen. Dodd Introduces Bill that Would Allow Increases in City Council Salaries

Sen. Dodd Introduces Bill that Would Allow Increases in City Council Salaries

by CC News
Senator Bill Dodd

Senator Bill Dodd introduced legislation Tuesday that would allow for increases in city council pay caps for the first time in four decades aimed at bringing the salaries more in line with the cost of living. The bill also seeks to increase participation and diversity.

“City councilmembers make critical decisions for our communities, but it is a difficult job with long hours,” Sen. Dodd said. “It’s especially hard for working people and people from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds to serve in local office while balancing jobs and family obligations. My proposal will improve diverse representation and increase access to elected office for all Californians by making it less of a financial challenge to serve.”

Currently, in general law cities, city councils may vote to receive a limited salary, not to exceed caps based on population size provided in state law. However, the maximum amounts set by state law have not been increased since 1984, despite inflation of more than 300% during that time. Because of the disparity, people from diverse communities are discouraged to run for office. Others with fulltime jobs have been forced to resign their posts before their terms expire because they can’t devote time to council service and supporting their families. A majority of cities in California are under 35,000 in population and presently capped at $300 per month with minimal allowances for adjustment.

Sen. Dodd’s proposal, Senate Bill 329, would address the inequity by allowing councils to adjust their maximum pay to reflect inflation as measured by the California Consumer Price Index. Any increases would require a majority vote of the city councils.

According to the Bill:

 (a) (1) A city council may enact an ordinance providing that each member of the city council shall receive a salary based on the population of the city as set forth in paragraph (2). A city council may, by ordinance, adjust the amounts set forth in paragraph (2) in an amount not to exceed inflation since January 1, 1984, based upon the California Consumer Price Index.
(2) The salaries approved by ordinance under paragraph (1) shall be as follows:
(A) In cities up to and including 35,000 in population, up to and including three hundred dollars ($300) per month.
(B) In cities over 35,000 up to and including 50,000 in population, up to and including four hundred dollars ($400) per month.
(C) In cities over 50,000 up to and including 75,000 in population, up to and including five hundred dollars ($500) per month.
(D) In cities over 75,000 up to and including 150,000 in population, up to and including six hundred dollars ($600) per month.
(E) In cities over 150,000 up to and including 250,000 in population, up to and including eight hundred dollars ($800) per month.
(F) In cities over 250,000 population, up to and including one thousand dollars ($1,000) per month.
 The salary of council members may be increased beyond the amount provided in this subdivision by an ordinance or by an amendment to an ordinance, but the amount of the increase shall not exceed an amount equal to 5 percent for each calendar year from the operative date of the last adjustment of the salary in effect when the ordinance or amendment is enacted.

Dodd says SB 329 is expected to be heard in committee next month. The bill is supported by the League of California Cities and local advocates.

“One of the primary barriers to recruiting more diverse candidates for local office is the low rates of compensation, especially in a high cost region like the Bay Area,” said Kirstyne Lange, president, NAACP Santa Rosa-Sonoma. “We need candidates from all backgrounds and income levels to be able to serve. This legislation is a key step in the right direction to achieving more equitable representation in local government.”

“Diversity and inclusion make for better policy-making at all levels of government,” said Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of League of California Cities. “Cal Cities is proud to sponsor this important legislation that lessens barriers for those interested in governing at the local level. This overdue reform is another tool communities can choose to use that can helps ensure our city councils are reflective of the residents who live, work and play in their communities.”

Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.  

 

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