REPORT TO SALARY SETTING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Resolution Setting the Benefits for the Position of Police Chief to Align with the Unit 9A MOU, and Increasing the Salary for the Position of Police Chief by 2.5%, for the Period of 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, Pursuant to City Charter Section 702 and SCCC 2.80.015
Report
BACKGROUND
The Police Chief (Job Code 141) position is an elected position under City Charter Section 600. City Municipal Code Section 2.80.015 requires the Commission to set the Police Chief’s compensation on July 1, 2019 and every two years thereafter. Charter Section 702 provides that salaries so established by the Commission shall not exceed one hundred ten percent (110%) of the previous figure. The Salary Setting Commission has met and thoroughly reviewed and discussed the various data points pertaining to, and aspects of, the issue of salary setting for the Police Chief.
At the March 24, 2025, the Commission voted to grant the position of Police Chief various benefits in alignment with the benefits granted to members of Unit 9A (Police Management) under that MOU. March 31, 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 for Police Chief and Assistant Police Chief
• Scope of duties for the subject position
• Potential consequences for future candidates for the position
• Comparator agency data for salaries of for Police Chief and Assistant Police Chief, as well as benefits provided by the comparator agencies
• Operational budget forecasts
• Charter limitations on the Commission’s actions
Ultimately, the Commission voted to modify and increase compensation and benefits as follows:
1. The base salary of the position of Police ChiefCity Clerk shall be increased by 2.5% effective July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027.
2. The following categories of benefits to align the current Unit 9A MOU, and shall track any changes to the Unit 9A MOU during the period of this Resolution:
a) Cash in lieu
b) Deferred Compensation
c) Dental Insurance
d) Flexible Spending Account
e) Health Insurance
f) PDA/Smart Phone stipend
g) POST Premium Pay
h) Retiree Medical Reimbursement
i) Uniform Allowance
j) Vision Insurance
k) VEBA contribution (but Police Chief shall not be included in the Unit 9A annual vote regarding VEBA)
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 Police Chief, Commission’s decision results in a base salary increase of approximately $18,000 over the course of two fiscal years, resulting in a total compensation of $562,231. 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 Setting the Benefits for the Position of Police Chief to Align with the Unit 9A MOU, and Increasing the Salary of Police Chief by 2.5% Effective July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, Pursuant to City Charter Section 702 and SCCC 2.80.015
Staff
Reviewed by: Aracely Azevedo, Director, Human Resources
Approved by: Nadine Nader, Chief Operating Officer
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution