Newly Formed City Committee Will Meet, Review 26-Year History of City Council Pay

The City of Pasadena will take a comprehensive look at how it pays its city Councilmembers, reviewing more than two decades of compensation decisions that began with a voter-approved ballot measure.

The Committee on City Councilmembers’ Compensation will meet Monday to examine the historical overview of council pay structures dating back to 1999. The review covers compensation decisions spanning multiple decades through 2025.

The current system stems from Ballot Measure 0, which voters passed in November 1998 and authorized the City Council to establish a committee to study and recommend compensation adjustments for council members and the mayor.

The first formal committee convened in early 1999 and made eight key recommendations. The group established a $1,000 monthly stipend for City Councilmembers and a $1,500 monthly stipend for the mayor, regardless of meeting attendance.

Those stipends included annual adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index to reflect cost-of-living changes.

A memorandum from Alex Suoto, Deputy City Manager said baseline recommendations have remained largely unchanged over the years, providing stability for councilmember compensation. However, public opinion and economic factors have continued to influence how officials assess the appropriateness of pay for these voluntary but demanding roles, the memorandum said.

In 2001, another committee formed with opposing views within its ranks. While it kept many 1999 recommendations, it suggested an alternative method for calculating annual stipend adjustments.

The 2001 committee proposed using the lesser growth among three factors: the Consumer Price Index, the City Charter’s 5% cap, or California’s Per Capita Personal Income Growth index. These measures aimed to align compensation increases with general economic growth.

Recent 2025 committee discussions will reaffirm historical trends. Officials will maintain the rationale for part-time volunteering, supported by precedents and active community participation during decision-making meetings.

The committee will also consider adjustments like increased general expense and telecommunications allowances, acknowledging the evolving demands of council roles.

The fiscal impact of proposed changes will be discussed comprehensively. Officials note that adjustments would lead to a significant but calculated increase in the City Council’s annual operating budget.

The memorandum said the review process will highlight an ongoing effort to balance public service volunteerism with contemporary civic and economic responsibilities. It will demonstrate what officials call an iterative governance model that balances public service with fiscal responsibility.

The committee’s examination will include public inclusivity and regular updates, reflecting an evolving approach to municipal governance in Pasadena.