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Marina council approves first reading to raise mayor, council stipends after contentious debate
Summary
On Feb. 19 the council voted 4–1 on a first reading to revise municipal ordinance pay: mayor stipend to $2,250/month, council members to $2,000/month; benefits would be available to council members at their own cost. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote; Mayor Delgado dissented.
The Marina City Council voted 4–1 on Feb. 19 to introduce an ordinance that would raise monthly compensation for the mayor to $2,250 and for council members to $2,000. The ordinance is a first reading and would return for a required second reading and adoption at a future meeting.
HR Director Belinda presented background material comparing Marina’s proposed all‑inclusive stipends with neighboring cities and explained that the staff comparison in the packet noted other cities commonly provide health and retirement contributions that materially increase total compensation. Staff’s analysis showed that, even with the proposed increase, Marina’s total compensation would remain among the lowest when benefits are included.
Public comment generated substantial debate. Supporters argued the increase would make council service more accessible and reflect the time commitment required by the job. Opponents called the amount excessive and criticized timing after a recent vote on Measure U; some speakers said elected officials should not vote themselves raises. Several speakers urged smaller, incremental increases or for a ballot measure.
Council deliberations emphasized transparency: the ordinance as drafted treats the amounts as an ‘‘all‑inclusive’’ stipend and allows council members to enroll in city health plans at their own expense rather than having the city pay. Council member McAdams moved to introduce the ordinance; Mayor Pro Tem Fisher seconded. A substitute motion to set lower amounts was made and lacked a second.
Roll call vote: Council member McAdams — Aye; Council member McCarthy — Yes; Council member Bridal McCarthy — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Fisher — Yes; Mayor Delgado — No. The motion passed 4–1. The ordinance will return for a second reading and adoption at a later meeting. The finance director was authorized to make corresponding budget adjustments if adopted.
Ending: Council members asked staff to post the staff slides and to follow up on public queries; several council members said they would revisit the item if amendments were requested before the second reading.
