Title
Introduce, waive first reading, and set November 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Section 2.04.370 of the Monterey County Code to establish a minimum differential of no less than five percent (5%) between the compensation for members of the Board of Supervisors and the maximum salary of the Board of Supervisors Chief of Staff classification, in addition to maintaining the existing compensation methodology tying Board Member compensation increases to that of the office of superior court judge.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors introduce, waive first reading, and set November 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Section 2.04.370 of the Monterey County Code to establish a minimum differential of no less than five percent (5%) between the compensation for members of the Board of Supervisors and the maximum salary of the Board of Supervisors Chief of Staff classification, in addition to maintaining the existing compensation methodology tying Board Member compensation increases to that of the office of superior court judge.
SUMMARY:
The proposed ordinance amendment would maintain the County's existing methodology of tying Board of Supervisor member compensation increases to that of the office of superior court judge, while also establishing a minimum salary differential of no less than five percent (5%) above the maximum salary of the Board of Supervisors Chief of Staff classification.
DISCUSSION:
On August 21, 1984, the Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 3011, codified at Chapter 2.04 of the Monterey County Code (“MCC”), to establish a compensation methodology for members of the Board of Supervisors.
On October 17, 1995, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 3843 to, in part, set the base annual compensation of the Board of Supervisors at a sum equal to fifty percent (50%) of the annual salary for municipal court judges. In relevant part, Section 2.04.370(B) currently provides that “the annual salary of each member of the Board of Supervisors shall be adjusted by the percentage rate of adjustment applicable to the office of municipal court judge”.
On October 11, 2016, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 5276 to add Subsection C to Section 2.04.370, which reads, “Effective July 1, 2016, the annual salary of each member of the Board of Supervisors shall be adjusted by the percentage rate of adjustment applicable to the office of superior court judge. A notice of any adjustment in compensation paid to members of the Board of Supervisors shall appear on the agenda of a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors at least ten (10) days prior to the date such adjustment is implemented; however, the effective date of such adjustment shall be the date any adjustment is effective for superior court judges”. The most recent increase occurred in July 2024.
In order to address salary compaction that arise due to salary increases to the classification of Board of Supervisors Chief of Staff, the Board of Supervisors desires to amend Section 2.04.370 to establish a minimum salary differential of no less than five percent (5%) above the maximum salary of the Board of Supervisors Chief of Staff classification, in addition to maintaining the existing compensation methodology tying the Board of Supervisors Chairman and Board of Supervisors Member classifications compensation increases to that of superior court judges.
This amendment addresses and prevents salary compaction between the Board Chairman and Board Members with the Board of Supervisors Chief of Staff classification while preserving the longstanding compensation framework. This amendment also updates the language of Section 2.04.370 to remove reference to the office of municipal court judge because the State combined the municipal and superior courts.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office has reviewed and concurs with the recommendations. The County Counsel’s Office has reviewed the ordinance as to form.
FINANCING:
If adopted, the ordinance will go into effect in January 2027, and the estimated fiscal impact for the remainder of the FY26/27 will be $10,108.78 per District Office. Each District would be able to absorb this within their current budget, however once the mid-year estimated forecast is presented, and if a district is experiencing budgetary challenges resulting from this cost increase, a report will be brought forth to request additional funding at mid-year .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The proposed recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice Strategic Plan Goal. This change is consistent with the County’s strategic goals and promotes a consistent and sustainable compensation structure by maintaining an appropriate salary relationship within the Board of Supervisors’ office structure.
__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
__ Safe and Resilient Communities
__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
ü Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Robert Uribe, Management Analyst, x5202
Approved by: Andreas Pyper, Director of Human Resources, x5043
Attachments:
Attachment A - Draft Ordinance (Clean)
Attachment B - Draft Ordinance (Redline)