FROM:
Human Resources
SUBJECT:
Title
Amending Fontana Municipal Code Section 2-39 to Increase the Salary for Members of the City Council and Mayor; Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Read by title only and waive further reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 1979, Amending Section 2-39 of the Fontana Municipal Code, regarding the salary for members of the City Council and Mayor.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Increase citizen involvement by Developing future leaders.
• Create and maintain a dynamic team by promoting stability and predictability by providing consistent policy direction.
DISCUSSION:
Government Code Section 36516 controls the salary of council members in general law cities and provides for up to a five percent (5%) annual increase in city council member salaries from the operative date of the last city council salary adjustment. Government Code Section 36516.1 also provides that a directly-elected mayor may receive compensation in addition to the compensation they receive as a council member.
Government Code Section 36516.5 further provides that any change in City Council compensation adopted via ordinance pursuant to Section 36516 shall become effective whenever one or more members of the city council becomes eligible for a salary increase by virtue of the council member beginning a new term of office.
Currently, members of the City Council receive $2,106.00 per month in compensation, which was set in February 2022 by Ordinance No. 1884 and codified in Section 2-39 of the Fontana Municipal Code. The Mayor’s additional compensation, according to Section 2-39 of the Fontana Municipal Code, is $2,094.00 per month.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 36516(a), the City Council members are eligible for a 5% increase for each year since the most recent adjustment in 2022 for a total of 20% with an effective date of December 2026. The cumulative CPI (Consumer Price Index) has increased by 18.9% from 2022 to 2025.
The proposed adjustment for City Council members and Mayor is 5% following the November 2026 election. This amounts to an additional $105 per month for the City Council members ($2,106 X 5%) and an additional $210 per month for the Mayor (($2,106 x 5%); ($2,094 x 5%), respectively). A salary survey was conducted, and with the proposed increase, our agency is ranked fifth out of 12 comparable agencies, behind Chino, Ontario, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
Actual salary adjustments for members of City Council would be effective beginning December 12, 2026. These adjustments shall be payable only on or after the date on which one or more members of the Council become eligible by virtue of beginning a new term of office following the next succeeding general municipal election held in the City, consistent with Government Code Section 36516.5 and Fontana Municipal Code 2-40.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with the approval of this item will result in a net increase in annual salary expenses of $7,574.40 once fully effective in December 2026. There is no fiscal impact for 2025-26 and necessary budget adjustments will be included in the 2026-27 Supplemental Budget.
MOTION:
Approve staff’s recommendation.