REPORT TO SALARY SETTING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Resolution Increasing the Salaries of Mayor and Council Members by Approximately 10% Over the Period July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, Pursuant to City Charter Section 702
Report
BACKGROUND
City Charter Section 702 requires that the Setting Commission establish the salaries for the positions of Mayor and Council Member every two years beginning in 2019. The Charter requires that the Commission make their compensation decision for these positions by March 15th.
The Salary Setting Commission has met on four occasions over the period of February to March 2025 related to the Mayor and Council compensation, and the members of the Commission have thoroughly reviewed and discussed the various data points pertaining to, and aspects of, the issue of salary setting for these elected officials. At their February 18, 2025, meeting, the Commission voted to provide a salary increase described further below and directed staff to return at the next meeting with a resolution setting forth the Commission’s decision.
DISCUSSION
The Commission took into consideration the following in reaching its decision:
• Historical salary information
• Scope of duties for the subject positions
• Potential consequences for future candidates for the positions
• Comparator agency data
• Operational budget forecasts
• Charter limitations on the Commission’s actions
• Potential addition of medical benefits for these positions
Ultimately, the Commission voted to increase compensation as follows:
1. The salary of the position of Mayor shall be increased to $2,625 per month for the period July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
2. The salary for the position of Mayor shall be increased to $2,750 per month for the period July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
3. The salary of the position of Council Member shall be increased to $2,100 per month for the period July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
4. The salary of the position of Council Member shall be increased to $2,200 per month for the period July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
The proposed Resolution reflects the factors considered and the motion passed by the Commission.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
For the position of Mayor, the Commission’s decision results in an increase of $4,500 total over the course of two fiscal years. For the position of Council Member, the Commission’s decision results in a cumulative increase of $21,600 total over the course of two fiscal years for all 6 filled positions. These amounts will be included in the Fiscal Year 25-26 and 26-27 Operating Budget.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Human Resources Department and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution Increasing the Salaries of Mayor and Council Members by Approximately 10% over the Period July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, Pursuant to City Charter Section 702
Staff
Reviewed by: Aracely Azevedo, Director, Human Resources
Approved by: Nadine Nader, Chief Operating Officer
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution