City Council Agenda
Memo to:
Manteca City Council
From:
Toni Lundgren, City Manager
Prepared by:
Cassandra Candini-Tilton, City Clerk and David Nefouse, City Attorney
Date:
April 2, 2024
Subject:
Update on Senate Bill 329
Recommendation:
title
Receive and File update on Senate Bill 329 pertaining to City Council Compensation.
body
Background:
The law governing council compensation for general law cities is set forth in Government Code Section 36516 (Section 36516). Under existing law, a City Council is authorized to adopt an ordinance establishing a salary for each member of the City Council based upon the size of the population of the city, as specified. Section 36516 also provides a separate process of establishing compensation though a ballot measure.
On June 29, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 329 ("SB 329") into law. This bill modified Section 36516(a)(2) to increase the maximum amount that general law cities can pay councilmembers based on the city's population, as determined by the most recent federal census. In explaining the reason for the change, the legislature stated that the existing compensation levels based on population had not been adjusted since 1984 (40 years), and that "allowing cities to adjust their compensation for inflation may help city councils become more diverse because increased compensation can help individuals from across different income levels receive sufficient income from their service to help ensure that they can continue to serve the public and support their families." In other words, the legislature felt there was a need to update the numbers after 40 years, and there was a desire to encourage participation by individuals who might otherwise be discouraged from running for office due to the low pay and commitment.
Pursuant to Government Code 36516(a)(2), the new salary limits are as follows:
* Up to $950 per month for cities up to and including 35,000 in population.
* Up to $1,275 per month ...
Click here for full text