Summary
The council gave itself a $341.31-per-month raise via Ordinance No. 2026-09. It passed 4-1 after being pulled from the consent calendar, with Mayor Pro Tem Flores voting no.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Sep 1, 2026.
Impact analysis
Adds $341.31 per month to each councilmember's pay, a modest ongoing cost to the city budget.
Current and future Santa Maria City Councilmembers.
Critics say it sends the wrong message while the city runs a deficit and asks voters for a sales tax.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council Meeting
The council gave itself a $341.31-per-month raise via Ordinance No. 2026-09. It passed 4-1 after being pulled from the consent calendar, with Mayor Pro Tem Flores voting no.
City Council Meeting
The council voted 3-2 to introduce a $341.31 monthly raise for council members, effective December 2026. Supporters say it helps working residents afford to serve; opponents point to the city's budget deficit and upcoming sales tax ask.
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