Pasadena Panel to Review City Council Pay Structure

Pasadena’s Committee on City Councilmembers’ Compensation will continue to deliberate Monday on potential changes to how Pasadena compensates its City Council members.

The committee will meet at 6 p.m. in City Hall chambers to review monthly stipends, benefits, allowances and reimbursements for elected officials, among other items on the agenda.

Between June 30 and July 28, the committee received extensive data about council compensation in Pasadena and comparable California cities. Former councilmembers and city managers testified about the job’s responsibilities and expectations.

The committee also examined time commitment data provided by current council members. All materials are available on the city’s committee webpage.

Deputy City Manager Alex Souto recommended the panel begin comprehensive deliberations. The committee’s goal is to broaden the pool of residents able to serve on the council.

The committee will consider several key questions during its review. These include whether to establish financial parameters for recommendations. Other topics include potential adjustments to monthly stipends for the mayor and councilmembers. The panel will also examine the general expense reimbursement allowance.

Committee members may discuss modifying existing allowances or creating new allowance categories. The Office of the City Manager will provide additional information as needed during the deliberation process.

The committee operates under Pasadena’s council-manager form of government. During recent presentations, former officials shared perspectives on this system’s merits.

The panel’s recommendations will eventually go to the full City Council for consideration.