Agenda Item: 2
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: April 14, 2026
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING
COUNCILMEMBER COMPENSATION PER GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 36516
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources and Library Services
PRESENTER: Kenneth W. Striplin
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Review and discuss City Council compensation and determine increase to be effective after the November 2026 election.
2. Introduce and pass to a second reading an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.04.048 OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING CITY COUNCIL SALARY."
BACKGROUND
Under specific provisions of state law, members of the Santa Clarita City Council are compensated monthly by the City of Santa Clarita (City) for the substantial amount of time and effort they contribute to leading our local government. In addition to participating in regular meetings, City Councilmembers represent the City on regional and statewide boards, commissions, and organizations. Councilmembers also participate in a wide variety of community events and meet with constituents on issues of concern to residents of the City.
Government Code Section 36516(a) sets forth basic provisions that allow regular adjustments to the City Council compensation. Government Code Section 36516.5 requires City Council compensation adjustments to be adopted by the present City Council to be effective after a future City Council election. The Government Code also provides for Councilmember compensation to be increased up to 5 percent for each calendar year from the effective date of the last salary adjustment or up to an amount equal to inflation since January 1, 2024, based on the California
Consumer Price Index, but not to exceed 10 percent per calendar year.
On January 1, 2025, Councilmember compensation was increased to $2,444.69 per month. This increase was equal to 2.5 percent per year for the calendar years 2023 and 2024. This compensation increase was less than the 5 percent per year allowed by Government Code. The City Council has not received a salary adjustment since January 1, 2025, and the earliest the next increase can be effective is January 1, 2027.
Consistent with the Government Code, Councilmember compensation may be reviewed for consideration of a salary adjustment anytime prior to the November 2026 election. A salary adjustment is proposed for a total pay increase of up to 5 percent (not compounded) for the calendar years 2025 and 2026, for a total increase of up to 10 percent, to go into effect January 1, 2027, or after the November 2026 election results are certified by the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder and the Santa Clarita City Clerk, whichever date is later.
The proposed monthly salary adjustment is as follows:
Current salary Proposed salary up to
$2,444.69 $2,689.16
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The maximum budget impact would be $244.47 per month per Councilmember or an annual increase to the City budget of $14,668.20 for all five Councilmembers. Should the City Council approve a lesser percentage adjustment, the adopted budget will reduce the fiscal impact accordingly. The annual percent change for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles Area since the last Council salary adjustment is 3 percent for January 2025. The annual percent change for California Consumer Price Index (CCPI) for 2025-26 is 3.1 percent. The annual percent change for CCPI for 2026-27 is not yet available.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance