To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Steve Potter, City Manager, and Tiffany Carranza, City Clerk
Prepared By: Tiffany Carranza, City Clerk
TITLE:
Title
Mayor and Council Compensation
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Approve the first reading and introduction of an ordinance amending Section 2.04.110 of the Napa Municipal Code relating to the compensation of the Mayor and Council.
Body
DISCUSSION:
Compensation for the Mayor and City Councilmembers must comply with the provisions outlined in Section 15 of the City Charter and California Government Code §36516. Consistent with City Charter Section 15, Napa Municipal Code Section 2.04.110 provides for the payment of compensation to members of the Council, and Napa Municipal Code section 2.04.111 provides for the payment of compensation to the Mayor.
The most recent amendment to council compensation was adopted in February 2016 (Ordinance No. O2016-2) and became effective following the November 2018 municipal election.
Consistent with Government Code §36516 staff recommends increasing City Councilmember compensation from $1,435 per month to $1,900 per month, and, pursuant to California Government Code section 36516.1 and Napa Municipal Code Section 2.04.111, increasing the Mayor’s compensation from $2,870 per month to $3,800 per month.
The proposed adjustment would take effect after the November 2026 municipal election, at which one or more councilmembers are elected, as required by Government Code §36516.5.
No changes are proposed to the existing benefits or allowances provided to Councilmembers.
This recommendation is also consistent with recent updates to state law, specifically, Senate Bill 329, effective January 1, 2024, amended Government Code §36516 to raise the statutory compensation limits for councilmembers, further supporting the City's ability to adjust compensation.
In addition to meeting legal requirements, this proposed increase is also supported by local economic trends. Since 2018, the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, has increased by about 24%. The recommended adjustment would help ensure that Council compensation keeps pace with those rising costs and maintains fair support for those serving the community.
Serving on the City Council requires a significant and growing time commitment. In addition to attending regular and special meetings, Councilmembers are expected to participate in various board and commission appointments, community events, and policy discussions. The role often demands substantial preparation, evening and weekend availability, and responsiveness to residents and stakeholders throughout the week.
Other cities in the region have made similar updates to council compensation, recognizing the impact of sustained inflation and the increasing expectations placed on local elected officials. This proposed increase reflects those realities and helps ensure that public service remains accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds and financial situations.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
The costs associated with the increase in the City Council compensation for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 will be accommodated as part of the budget process.
CEQA:
The City Clerk has determined that the Recommended Action described in this Agenda Report is not subject to CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATCH 1 - Ordinance
ATCH 2 - CA Government Code Section 36516
ATCH 3 - NMC Sections 2.04.110 and 2.04.111
NOTIFICATION:
Notice of public hearing was published in the Napa Valley Register on Thursday, July 3, 2025.