Milpitas city council approves raise that would double their pay

"With the raise, the city joins several others throughout the Bay who have boosted compensation for city councilmembers. "It's long overdue," said Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano in an interview. "We work hard and we address their emails and we're out there in the community ... It's a lot of work, but it's a labor of love.""

"However, a 2024 change in California government code allowed cities to boost city council compensation up to certain limits based on their population. This led to a flurry of cities throughout California and the Bay Area hiking pay for their elected officials - with cities from Dublin to Gilroy and between adopting salary increases."

"Since 2014, city councilmembers have received around $10,800 a year, with the mayor receiving around $13,500. The ordinance adopted this week would more than double that: paying each councilmember over $24,000 a year and the mayor over $29,000. That reflects the maximum amount allowed under the state's rules, along with additional compensation for the mayor - also allowed by the state rules and common in other cities."

Milpitas City Council voted unanimously to more than double councilmember pay. The pay increase will not take effect until after the November 2026 election under state rules. Council compensation had not increased since 2014 and had been reduced in 2010 and 2012. A 2024 change in California government code permits cities to raise council pay up to population-based limits, prompting many Bay Area cities to increase salaries. Since 2014 councilmembers received about $10,800 and the mayor about $13,500. The new ordinance raises councilmember pay to over $24,000 and mayor pay to over $29,000, reflecting the maximum allowed. Council members noted workload, travel and meeting costs deter potential candidates.

Read at The Mercury News