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Buellton council approves 5% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees
Summary
Council voted to grant a 5% COLA for FY2025–26 after staff presented CPI and market data; the raise affects 19 full‑time employees and carries a fiscal impact of roughly $178,000 across funds.
The Buellton City Council on Tuesday approved a 5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for city employees for fiscal year 2025–26.
Finance Director Chanel Zamora presented the analysis used to recommend a 5% increase: she reviewed the Los Angeles‑area Consumer Price Index (CPI), external market data from nearby cities and the city’s historical COLA grants. Zamora said the 30‑year average granted COLA was roughly 2.4%, the 2024 Los Angeles CPI was 3.1%, and nearby cities averaged 3.84% — but staff recommended 5% because 68% of the city’s 19 full‑time employees are at top step and would receive no step increase without a COLA.
Budget impact: Zamora said a 5% COLA would increase salary-and-benefits costs by approximately $178,000 in total — about $125,306 to the general fund, $26,962 to the water fund and $26,330 to the wastewater fund.
Council action and votes: Council Member Hornick moved the 5% COLA motion; another councilmember seconded. The motion passed with all members present voting Aye: Council Member Fornak — Aye; Vice Mayor Lewis — Aye; Council Member Sanchez — Aye; Mayor (recorded as Silva/Soler) — Aye.
Ending: Finance staff will implement the COLA in payroll for FY2025–26 and reflected costs will be included in the upcoming biennial budget/planning documents.
