REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve an Update to the Unit 1 Classified Salary Plan to Reflect the Approved Increase to the 40-hour Special Assignment Pay
Report
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara Firefighters, International Association of Firefighters, Local 1171 (Unit 1) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expired on or about December 31, 2025. On or about April 9, 2026, the City and Unit 1 reached a Mediation Joint Recommendation on terms for a successor MOU. The Mediation Joint Recommendation was ratified by Unit 1 membership and approved by City Council on or about April 21, 2026, along with the corresponding update to the Classified Salary Plan. However, the update to the Classified Salary Plan approved on April 21st did not reflect the increase to the 40-hour special assignment pay.
Updated Salary Plan
Section 9 of the Personnel and Salary Resolution requires City Council approval of compensation plans for both classified and unclassified positions. California Code Regulations Section 570.5 requires the adoption of updated publicly available salary schedules by the governing body. The attached Resolution approves the updated salary plan for all classifications represented by Unit 1 consistent with the terms of the subject MOU.
DISCUSSION
As part of the Mediation Joint Recommendation ratified by Unit 1 membership and approved by City Council on April 21, 2026, the special assignment pay for eligible employees on a 40-hour schedule was increased from approximately twelve and one-half percent (12.5%) currently to approximately fifteen percent (15%), and effective the first pay period after Council approval which is April 26, 2026. Normally, premium pays are additional pays provided to eligible employees in addition to their base pay. However, Unit 1 employees eligible for the special assignment pay for being assigned to a 40-hour schedule (from a 24-hour shift schedule) are instead placed into a corresponding classification where the salary range reflects the special assignment pay. Accordingly, while the pay plan approved on April 21st reflected the agreed upon wage increases, the increase in the special assignment pay for eligible employees on a 40-hour schedule of approximately 2.5% (12.5% to 15%) was not reflected at the time.
Updated Salary Plan:
The City of Santa Clara contracts with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits for employees in both classified and unclassified positions. When the City makes modifications to the salary schedules for its classified or unclassified positions, the City Council must approve and adopt the publicly available salary schedules to comply with California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 570.5. The Classified Salary Plan has been modified to reflect the 2.5% increase to reflect the special assignment pay of 15% (from 12.5%) for classifications on a 40-hour schedule assigned to Unit 1 pursuant to the terms of the Mediation Joint Recommendation.
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)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as this action is an update to the Classified Pay Plan to reflect the change to the special assignment pay that was approved on April 21, 2026.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance 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, or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Updating the Salary Plan for various Unit 1 classified positions to satisfy the requirements of California Code of Regulations Section 570.5.
Staff
Reviewed by: Marco Mercado, Acting Director of Human Resources
Approved by: Jōvan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Classified Salary Plan (Effective April 26, 2026) and Approved May 5, 2026
2. Resolution Approving Updated Classified Salary Plan Effective April 26, 2026