Item #05
Date: April 21, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Jim Schaad, City Manager
Subject: Adjustment to City Council Compensation
Recommendation:
Pass a motion to 1) introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 2.32.030 of the Marysville Municipal Code to increase City Council compensation from $300 per month to $585 per month, effective following the November 2026 General Municipal Election and swearing-in of Council Members; and 2) direct staff to return with the ordinance for second reading and adoption.
Rationale for Recommendation:
City Council compensation has not been adjusted since 2007. The proposed adjustment is consistent with California Government Code Section 36516, as incorporated by the City’s Charter and Municipal Code, and reflects a reasonable update that remains below the statutory compensation limits for cities of similar population.
Background:
Section 2.32.030 of the Marysville Municipal Code establishes City Council compensation at $300 per month pursuant to Ordinance No. 1309 (2007). No adjustments have been made since that time.
The City of Marysville is a charter city; however, the City Charter provides that compensation for Council Members shall be established in accordance with the laws of the State of California applicable to general law cities. The Municipal Code similarly references California Government Code Section 36516 as the governing authority for Council compensation.
Government Code Section 36516 allows for periodic adjustments to City Council compensation, subject to specified limitations.
Discussion & Analysis:
Approximately nineteen (19) years have elapsed since the last adjustment in 2007. The proposed compensation of $585 per month is within the increase allowances provided under California Item #05
Government Code Section 36516. The proposed amount also remains below the current statutory cap for cities of similar population (approximately $975 per month), indicating that the adjustment remains conservative relative to allowable limits.
Compensation for council members in comparable small cities generally ranges from approximately $450 to $650 per month. The current $300 monthly compensation places Marysville below this range and reflects a level that has not been adjusted in nearly two decades. The proposed amount places the City within the range of comparable jurisdictions.
The City Manager and staff believe the proposed adjustment represents a fair and justifiable level of compensation given the time elapsed since the last adjustment, the responsibilities of the position, and comparable practices among similar jurisdictions.
City staff believe the proposed increase may be implemented following the November 2026 General Municipal Election and swearing-in of Council Members.
Environmental Review:
The action proposed in this item is administrative in nature and does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Legal Review:
The City Attorney’s office has reviewed and approved as to form.
Fiscal Analysis:
The proposed increase would result in an additional cost of approximately $17,100 annually for a fivemember council (when fully implemented). Since swearing in of new council typically takes place in January, Fiscal impact for the FY2026/27 fiscal year would be $26,550.00.
Attachment:
1. Ordinance No. [XXXX] – Amending Section 2.32.030 of the Marysville Municipal Code (City Council Compensation)