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Ordinance Fact Sheet
May 11,2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Attorney / City Prosecutor's Department
SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENA AMENDING SECTIONS
2.05.210 AND 2.05.220 OF TITLE 2, CHAPTER 2.05 OF THE
PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE COMPENSATION
OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TITLE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENA AMENDING SECTIONS 2.05.210 AND 2.05.220 OF TITLE 2, CHAPTER 2.05 OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the action proposed herein is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 and within the meaning of Section 15378(b); and
2. Adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 2.05 of Article I of Title 2 of the Pasadena Municipal Code as further described in this fact sheet.
PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE:
This ordinance amends the Municipal Code sections 2.05.210 and 2.05.220 of Chapter
2.05 of Title 2 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, to update the compensation provided to Councilmembers, clarify reimbursement and expense categories, and provide general cleanup. The Ordinance is consistent with City Charter Section 405. 06/08/2026
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MEETING OF --5/44-/-20S^-
AGENDA ITEM NO.-Q.Q.. -^Q. 29
City Council Compensation Ordinance
May 11,2026
REASONS WHY LEGISLATION IS NEEDED:
The Charter Study Force reviewed and discussed City Charter Section 405 and provided recommended amendments requiring the formation of an independent City commission to review, study, and provide recommendations for updating the compensation and other benefits provided to City Councilmembers.
Following amendments to City Charter Section 405, there was formed a Committee on City Councilmembers' Compensation, which met in the latter half of 2025 and provided recommendations to the Council for amendments to the Municipal Code. This effort included extensive work by staff to study and identify appropriate compensation, reimbursable expenses, and options for health and child care.
An item was brought to the City Council for discussion on September 29, 2025; returned on October 27, 2025 for further discussion. It was then referred to the Council Finance Committee for additional discussion and comment, and was recommended to return to City Council to adopt an ordinance.
PROGRAMS. DEPARTMENTS OR GROUPS AFFECTED:
This change will have a financial effect on the City Council. The City Clerk's Office and the Human Resources Department will have a minor effect as they implement the changes to the reimbursement policy.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Amending the Municipal Code by amending Chapter 2.05 regarding Council Compensation, reimbursable expenses, childcare benefits, and health benefits.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), which excludes from environmental review actions that are not "projects" as defined by California Public Resources Code ("PRC") Section 21065 and within the meaning of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b). PRC Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b) define a project as an action which may cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 excludes from the definition of "project" administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The actions proposed herein, amending the PMC to modify quorum requirements for City Council Committees, is an administrative activity, and therefore is not a "project" as defined by CEQA. Since the action is not a project subject to CEQA, no environmental document is required.
City Council Compensation Ordinance
May 11,2026
FISCAL IMPACT:
The annualized fiscal impact of the adjustments to City Council compensation recommended by the Committee on Councilmembers' Compensation is estimated at an amount up to $314,000 which will be fully funded by the General Fund.
The annualized fiscal impact of the increase to the monthly stipend is $135,000. The annualized fiscal impact of the reimbursable allowances increases is up to $179,000.
The actual cost of the increases to the reimbursable allowances may be lower depending on utilization rates. Funding for the proposed increases will be included in the City Council Department's FY 27 Recommended Operating Budget.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHELE BEAL BAG^ERl^
City Attorney/City Pj^segyfor
City Attorney's Offifee-^
Prepared by:
for
Amanda M. Cusick
Assistant City Attorney
Concurred by:
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MATTKEW E. HAWKESWORTH
Interim City Manager
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