Gonzales council vote fails on proposed stipend increase and optional insurance

The Gonzales City Council considered a proposal at its Oct. 17 meeting to raise council members’ monthly stipends from $500 to $1,000 and to increase the mayor’s stipend from $1,000 to $1,500 while making medical insurance an optional benefit.

Councilmember Hernandez moved to adopt the increase and to leave insurance as an option. He argued that restoring insurance and increasing pay could make it easier for younger or working residents to run for office, saying the current compensation provides “no incentive for anybody to really wanna run for these positions.” Councilmember Jordan seconded the motion.

Councilmembers exchanged views about local budgets and comparisons to county pay. One council member recalled that medical coverage was cut when the city’s reserves were low and said reinstating insurance would add a substantial recurring cost. Staff estimated citywide medical coverage for all five elected officials would total roughly $42,000 a year if fully funded by the city, a point raised during discussion of optional insurance costs.

On a roll call the motion failed. Councilmember Kreidler voted Nay; Councilmember Jordan voted Aye; Councilmember Hernandez voted Aye; Councilmember Miller voted No. The chair announced the motion failed. No formal alternative motion passed at that time, but members said the topic could return for future consideration.

The hearing had opened under section 3.04 of the City of Gonzales home‑rule charter, as required when council compensation is under review. Supporters of increased compensation framed it as a recruitment and equity issue; opponents cited fiscal constraints and past budget decisions that removed benefits when reserves were low.

Council did not take further action on compensation during the Oct. 17 meeting but left room for the matter to be revisited at a later date.