CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: February 21, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Charles A. Montoya, City Manager;
Suzie H. Soren, Deputy City Manager
Department: Human Resources & Risk Management
Subject: Establish a Revised Auto Allowance for Eligible City Employees (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2024-034, approving a revised auto allowance for eligible City employees and repealing Resolution No. 2018-171.
Executive Summary
Revising the auto allowance to realign the classifications eligible for this benefit.
Background
On December 4, 2006, the Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2006-428, authorizing auto allowances for eligible City employees and elected officials. The Resolution authorized the City Manager to designate an auto allowance to eligible employees at the following rates:
Classification Monthly
Allowance
City Manager $500
Mayor, City Council, Assistant City Manager,
Department Director $450
Division Heads $300
At the time the Resolution was adopted, the auto allowance at neighboring cities was significantly higher. Therefore, the Mayor and City Council authorized an annual increase of $25/month on July 1st of each year. There was no maximum or end date established for the annual increase. Therefore, on June 20, 2018, the Mayor and City Council adopted resolution 2018-171 capping the auto allowance at the following rates:
Classification Monthly
Allowance
City Manager $775
Mayor, City Council, Assistant City Manager,
Department Director $725
Division Heads $575
Discussion
The item for consideration is to realign the classifications that receive an auto allowance and the amounts. Currently, if the classification/title is not listed in Resolution No. 2018-171, then it is determined that the positions are not eligible for an auto allowance. The bulk of the positions not receiving the allowance are the Deputy Directors, Chief Deputy City Clerk, and Deputy City Manager.
Historically, Division Managers were afforded an auto allowance, however, these positions do not typically receive this benefit. In fact, the cities that were surveyed did not offer an auto allowance to this level of classification. If approved, these classifications would no longer receive the benefit. Any employee currently employed within a Division Manager classification will retain the auto allowance of $575/month.
Any new appointment into any Division Manager classification, will not receive an auto allowance.
Additionally, Staff recommends that the additional tier of employees receive $625/month to remain consistent with other agencies and framework. Staff recommends the following:
Classification Monthly
Allowance
City Manager $775
Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager,
City Clerk, Department Directors $725
Deputy Directors, Chief Deputy City Clerk $625
Other Considerations
The Chief of Police classification currently receives a City-owned vehicle with fuel as listed in the Executive Compensation and Benefits Plan Resolution No. 2022-59. The auto allowance set for the Mayor and City Council is referenced in San Bernardino Municipal Code sections 2.82.010 (C) and 2.82.020(C).
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
Revising the auto allowance for eligible employees supports Key Strategic Goal 2.
Focused, Aligned Leadership and Unified Community by building a culture that attracts, retains, and motivates the highest quality talent.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact for revising the positions that receive an auto allowance would cost an additional $3,300 per year.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2024-034, approving a revised auto allowance for eligible City employees and repealing Resolution No. 2018-171.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Resolution No. 2024-034
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
On December 4, 2006, the Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2006- 428, authorizing vehicle reimbursement allowance for various City employees, and repealing Resolution No. 89-15.
On June 20, 2018, the Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2018-171, authorizing vehicle reimbursement allowance for various City employees, and repealing Resolution No. 2006-428.