COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Graciela Reynoso, Chief Human Resources Officer
DATE: June 16, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule, effective June 27, 2026
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the single Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule in compliance with the requirements of the Labor Code and the California Public Employees’ Retirement Law to implement previously agreed-to salary adjustments for the Santa Maria Police Officers’ Association, and Santa Maria City Firefighters Union Local 2020.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environme ntal Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving a Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule, effective June 27, 2026, to implement pay changes to address equity and cost of living increases, pursuant to Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Maria Police Officers’ Association; and Santa Maria City Firefighters Union Local 2020.
BACKGROUND:
In administering the City’s cla ssification and compensation system, and workforce planning, City Human Resources will periodically present to the Council recommended changes and salary adjustments for formal approval. Human Resources seeks approval to adjust salaries to implement previo usly negotiated salary adjustments to the Santa Maria Police Officers’ Association; and the Santa Maria City Firefighters Union Local 2020 (Fire MOU).
Implement Negotiated Salary Adjustments:
In February of 2025, City Council adopted a Resolution to ratify the successor Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Maria Police Officers’ Association. Within the Memorandum of Understanding is a stipulation for a 1% base salary equity adjustment, effective June 27, 2026.
In May of 2025, City Council adop ted a Resolution to ratify the successor Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Maria City Firefighters Union Local 2020. Within 2 Memorandum of Understanding is a stipulation for a 4 percent base salary adjustment, effective June 27, 2026.
Employees currently employed with the City in the respective unions mentioned above will receive the salary adjustments outlined above.
DISCUSSION:
To implement any equity or salary adjustment for employees, the City is required to submit the proposed adjustments to t he City Council in open session for approval. This is mandated by the California Code of Regulations. Specifically, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System regulations, Sections 570.5 and 571.1 (2 CCR §§ 570.5 and 571.1). These regulations dicta te that when any salary changes occur, the City Council must adopt, during a publicly noticed meeting that adheres to all open meeting laws, a stand-alone, unified pay schedule that encompasses all employee classifications.
This Council Agenda Report, al ong with its attachments, serves as the official record of the requested salary adjustments. Human Resources requests City Council approval for the implementation of salary adjustments to the Police Officers’ Association and Fire Local 2020 units; and the associated changes to the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule (attachment B), effective June 27, 2026.
Alternative(s)
A decision by the City Council to not approve the Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule would result in being out of compliance with the Public Employees’ Retirement Law and the Labor Code.
Fiscal Considerations
The fiscal impact of implementing the salary increases for Police Officers’ Association is $170,000 and $431,400 for Fire Local 2020. This will be included in the adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2028.
Impact on the Community
Overall, City services will continue to be provided by City employees with no decrease in the level of service to the public. Instead, it is expected that there will be a positive impact and increase to current service levels to the public achieved by attraction and retention of a highly skilled workforce to serve the Santa Maria community; increased employee job satisfaction; and increased performance. The requested schedule change will enhance service to the community and maintain compliance with the Public Employees’ Retirement Law.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. FT_PT_LS_Salary Schematic