Council names seven residents to 2026 Council Compensation Committee

San Luis Obispo City Council on July 15 appointed seven community members to the 2026 Council Compensation Committee to review mayor and council compensation packages, benefits and advisory‑body stipends.

Under council policy, the committee is a seven‑member volunteer panel that must include a previously elected official, a member of the personnel board and at least one resident‑at‑large; the council may appoint additional members from any of those categories. Councilmembers cast ballots during the meeting to select the previously elected and personnel‑board nominees first and then selected the remaining at‑large members.

The council appointed the following people to the committee: Andy Pease (previously elected official slot), Jill Lemieux (personnel board slot), and at‑large members Erin Foote, Keri Howell, Trent Johnson, Barry Price and Joy Singh. Councilmember Marx moved the resolution to accept the clerk’s reported results and Councilmember Marks seconded. The appointments were approved by roll call vote, 5–0.

City staff said the committee will review the full compensation package, including salary, benefits, expense reimbursement and professional development, and will compare compensation and practices with similar cities and relevant government code provisions. The committee’s recommendation is planned for presentation to council in March 2026; any adopted changes would not take effect until January 2027 in order to preserve the requirement that an election occur before changes affect an elected term.

Councilmembers thanked the many applicants and noted the committee will also consider whether advisory bodies should receive compensation or stipends.