Soledad council approves top-step pay increase for public works director, defers COLA

The Soledad City Council voted to increase the top step of the public works director salary range by about 8.789% and to defer any additional cost-of-living adjustment until the council considers it during the next budget process.

Council members debated several options before voting. One council member proposed a smaller 6% raise; others argued for a larger increase to make the position competitive in the region and to address recruitment and retention problems. Staff presented salary comparisons showing the proposed range positions the Soledad public works director near comparable cities (Gonzales and King City) when certification pay is included.

The council recorded a motion to adopt the higher adjustment and to instruct staff to defer the executive-level COLA consideration until a later date so that the council can review the full fiscal context in the next budget cycle. Council members noted ongoing fiscal constraints: the city is balancing rising pension, salary and benefits costs, ongoing project workloads and recruitment pressures for other positions including police chief recruitment and fire services negotiations.

During discussion, staff said the public works director role oversees utilities, streets, facilities and parks and that prior recruitment issues prompted increases for assistant engineers in a previous salary study. Staff said the increase is consistent with surrounding jurisdictions when total compensation (including certification pay) is considered.

Council adopted the action by voice vote; a motion was seconded by Councilmember Gonzalo Sanchez. The measure passed unanimously.