City Council Agenda Report
October 6, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Theresa Devoy, City Clerk
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 26-1769 - SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR COUNCILMEMBERS
UPON COMMENCEMENT OF NEW TERMS OF OFFICE
Background:
Effective January 1, 2024, California Government Code §36516 was amended to allow for the first significant change in city council salary structures since 1984, now linking maximum pay to city population. Under this new law, cities may increase city council salaries either by population or by up to 5% annually. Norwalk falls into the 75,000-150,000 population category which allows for a salary increase up to and including $1,900 per month.
In accordance with Government Code §36516.5, increases are prohibited from applying to a council member during the council member’s term of office. It does, however, allow for all council members to receive the increase when one or more members are sworn in to begin their new term of office. Therefore, any increase would not become effective until after the certification of the 2026 municipal election. Future adjustments may be made for inflation of up to the maximum amount allowable based on population following the same percentage, but they cannot be enacted without bringing an item back to City Council for consideration.
The City Council last received an increase to salary in 2007 following certification of the General Municipal Election. At that time, the salary was adjusted to $951.91 per month. The proposed new monthly salary is $1,900. If approved, it will become effective once the 2026 election is certified.
Fiscal Impact:
The City Council salary will be included in the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget. The increase for roughly six months of this fiscal year will total approximately $28,440.90.
City Council October 6, 2026
Ordinance No. 26-1769 - City Council Salary Increase Page No. 2 Citizens Advised:
The ordinance will be published as required by Government Code §36933.
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
N/A
Recommended Action:
Staff recommend City Council consider introducing by title only Ordinance No. 26-1769, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADJUSTING SALARIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, and schedule for adoption.
Attachments:
Ordinance No. 26-1769