TO: City Council
DATE: November 24, 2025
DEPARTMENT: Administration Department
PREPARED BY: Diana Paoli, City Clerk
PRESENTER: Diana Paoli, City Clerk
AGENDA TITLE: Receive Report and Consider Introducing, by Title Only, and Waiving Further Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 2.04.060 (Salary Designated) of Chapter 2.04 (City Council) of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code
RECOMMENDATION
City Council Introduce, By Title Only, and Waive Further Reading of Ordinance and Amending Section 2.04.060 (Salary Designated) of Chapter 2.04 (City Council) of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code
BACKGROUND
State law regulates the maximum compensation for councilmembers and specifies when those adjustments can take effect. The compensation schedule for general law cities was revised on June 29, 2023, when the Governor approved Senate Bill No. 329 (Dodd) ("SB 329"). This bill increases the maximum amount of salary for councilmembers, which is based on the population of the city and approved by an ordinance passed by the City Council. For cities with a population of up to and including 35,000, the maximum monthly compensation is capped at $950. See Government Code Section 36516.
The Fort Bragg City Council last adjusted its monthly stipend in 2022 to $510. According to Government Code Section 36516 the adjustment of City Councilmembers’ monthly stipend will not take effect until after at least one Councilmember commences a new term. See Government Code Section 36516.5.
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The current compensation for the City Council is set at $510 per month (annual budget $30,600). In 2024, it was discussed by City Council to increase the monthly salary by 5 percent ($25.50 monthly increase, annual budget $32,130) which would be a salary of $535.50 per month. Another option could be $750 per month ($240 monthly increase, annual budget $45,000) or capped amount of $950 ($440 monthly increase, annual budget $57,000).
Reviewing compensation every few years helps ensure that it remains competitive and fair, reflecting changes in the cost of living and economic conditions. Making regular adjustments can help attract and retain qualified individuals who might otherwise be deterred by stagnant compensation rates. Biennial reviews can also align stipends with evolving responsibilities and workload; ensuring councilmembers are adequately compensated for their time and effort. This practice promotes transparency and accountability, fostering public trust in the governance process. Additionally, it allows the city to avoid sudden large increases in the future and to plan for it in the city's budget. Any approved increase will take effect at the beginning of the new terms of office following the General Election of 2026 in December, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
For FY 2026/27, the cap cost associated with the proposed changes will be $26,400 if salary increased to $950 per month. The City Council can determine any amount for increase up to $950. There are two publication fees associated with Ordinance Summaries in newspaper at a cost of approximately $400 along with $150-$200 to request General Code to update the Municipal Code. For the FY 2026/27 it will need to be considered and/or incorporated in the budget. Once monthly salary is capped at $950, each calendar year thereafter the max increase is by 5 percent effective following a General Election.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS: None.
STRATEGIC PLAN/COUNCIL PRIORITIES/GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY Goal 6A – Develop a method for recruiting skilled Council Members.
ALERNATIVES: Propose alternative; increase up to $950 and Introduce Ordinance and revise Chapter 2.04 Fort Bragg Municipal Code.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance xxxx-2025
Fort Bragg Municipal Code Section 2.040.060
Government Code Section 36516
NOTIFICATION:
Subscribers to Agendas
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8A
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT