Pacific Grove council approves compensation increase while delaying medical benefits decision

During the Pacific Grove City Council meeting on May 7, 2025, council members engaged in a significant discussion regarding compensation for council members, including the potential introduction of medical benefits. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges of attracting diverse candidates to local government roles, particularly due to financial barriers.

The council debated a proposed ordinance to increase compensation for council members, which had not been adjusted since at least 2014. One council member emphasized the need for a pay increase to encourage younger individuals and underrepresented groups to consider running for office. The discussion acknowledged that current compensation levels do not adequately cover essential responsibilities, such as child or elder care, which can deter potential candidates.

A motion was made to separate the compensation increase from the medical benefits discussion, allowing for immediate consideration of the pay raise while postponing the medical benefits decision. This approach aimed to address the urgent need for increased compensation without delaying the process further. The council ultimately voted to amend the ordinance to exclude medical benefits for the time being, passing the compensation increase with a vote of 6-1.

The topic of medical benefits remains unresolved, with several council members expressing the need for further discussion and consideration of budget implications before deciding whether to put the issue to a public ballot. Some members argued that the decision on medical benefits should be made by voters, while others felt it was more prudent to wait until after the budget process to revisit the topic.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to improving compensation for its members as a means to foster a more diverse and representative local government. However, the future of medical benefits for council members remains uncertain, with further discussions anticipated in the coming months. The council's next steps will likely involve a careful examination of budgetary constraints and community feedback before making any final decisions on this matter.