MEMO TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor John Marchione
SUBJECT:
title
Mayor’s Salary Review
I. RECOMMENDED ACTION
recommendation
Option A: Increase the Mayor’s salary, effective January 1, 2019
Option B: Provide COLA as per CPI-W (standard with City Practice)
Option C: Combine COLA plus salary increase
body
II. DEPARTMENT CONTACTS
Mellody Matthes, Human Resources Director; (425) 556-2122
III. DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND
In March 2015, the Council passed Ordinance No. 2784, setting the Mayor’s pay at $137,000 with an effective date of January 1, 2016, and maintaining a car allowance at $500 per month. At that time, the Council discussed the need to review the Mayor’s salary at least every four years. As almost four years have passed since the last review of the Mayor’s salary and there have been changes in the relevant markets, the Council, through its January 27, 2018, retreat, has requested that the Mayor’s salary again be reviewed.
Staff conducted a market review of the salaries received by mayors in comparator cities, along with related information as attached. The recommendation for Mayor’s 2019 salary is $142,116 and this is based upon an average of the comparable cities. This is similar to what would happen if a 3.6% COLA was applied to the current salary of $137,000, which would be $141,932.
Upon discussion and direction to staff at the study session, an ordinance will be prepared and brought forward at a future meeting for Council action.
IV. PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS HELD
Council Retreat - January 27, 2018
Finance, Administration, and Communications Committee of the Whole - October 23, 2018
V. IMPACT
A. Service/Delivery:
None
B. Fiscal Note:
The fiscal impact will be based upon the Council’s decision. At this time, there are funds to accommodate changes in compensation for the Mayor.
VI. ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Members of the Council could choose to wait until January 2020 (a new term of office for the position) to make the salary increase effective.
VII. TIME CONSTRAINTS
Per Council’s action.
VIII. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: 2018 Mayor’s Salary Ordinance Draft
Attachment B: 2018 Salary Cover Letter for Council
Exhibit 1: 2018 Mayor’s Salary Information Sheet
Exhibit 2: 2018 Mayor’s Salary Graph of 2018 Comparables
Exhibit 3: 2018 Mayor’s Salary COLA Review
Exhibit 4: 2018 Mayor’s Salary Summary of Mayor’s Salary Information
Attachment C: 2018 Mayor’s Salary Study Session Power Point Presentation