CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
December 3, 2024 5d
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 2024-11 ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY
SALARY OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL AS AUTHORIZED BY GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 36516, 35516.1 AND 36516.5
RECOMMENDATION:
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance 2024-11 to adjust the monthly salary paid to the Mayor and Members of the City Council effective after the new term of office from the November 2024 election commences.
BACKGROUND:
The monthly salary for each Councilmember and the Mayor is $913.50. The City Council last adjusted the monthly salaries in 2018 to this amount, and the salaries became effective after the November 2018 election. The last increase prior to 2018 was in 1996.
Under state law governing General Law cities, the City Council may adjust Councilmember salaries in three ways: to the amount of $950 per month, as established under SB 329 for cities with populations up to 35,000; to an amount with an increase equal to 5 percent for each calendar year from the date of the last increase; or, to an amount adjusted by the rate of inflation since January 1, 2024, but not exceeding 10 percent, based upon the California Consumer Price Index.
ANALYSIS:
The item before the City Council is adoption of an ordinance to increase the monthly salary for the Mayor and Councilmembers. The ordinance applies the same methodology as used in the 2018 salary adjustment: calculating 5 percent per year since the last increase. Using this traditional method, five percent of $913.50 is $45.68. Six years have passed since the last adjustment became operative in December 2018. Thus, the calculation yields an increase of $274.00 ($45.68 x 6 = $274.00) for a maximum total monthly salary of $1,187.50 ($913.15 + $274.00).
Per Government Code section 36516.5, a change in compensation does not apply to an elected official during their term in office. However, the compensation of all members of a City Council serving staggered terms can be adjusted by virtue of the beginning of a new term of office for a single member. Therefore, any approved salary increase will not take place until the new terms begin in December 2018.
Attached for adoption is an ordinance amending Coronado Municipal Code (CMC) sections
2.02.030 and 2.03.030 to reflect an increase for the salaries of each of the members of the City Council from $913.50 to $1,187.50 per month, to take effect after a new term of office commences in December 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The 2024-25 FY Budget has sufficient funds to absorb the contemplated increases.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council could elect to not adopt the ordinance and provide additional direction.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not a project under CEQA.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
In lieu of publication of the ordinance in its entirety, the City Clerk will publish a summary of the ordinance a minimum of five days prior to adoption, and again within 15 days after adoption of the ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance 2024-11
Submitted By: City Attorney's Office / Johanna N Canlas