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Galt council approves raise in council pay to $902.50 per month, effective 2026
Summary
After debate about optics and attracting diverse candidates, the council voted 4–1 to set monthly council compensation at $902.50, pending a November 2026 effective date; Council member Sandhu voted no, citing principle and public-fund concerns.
The Galt City Council voted to amend the city’s council salary ordinance, setting monthly compensation at $902.50 and scheduling the increase to take effect at the beginning of the next council term in November 2026.
Human Resources Director Tricia Coby framed the item as an update to align with Senate Bill 329, which raised the state maximum allowable compensation for council members. Coby said the proposed amendment would set council compensation at $902.50 per month, which staff described as 5% below the state law maximum, and noted the change will not take effect until the next council term beginning in November 2026.
Council discussion ranged from support — to attract working-class candidates and reflect the actual time commitment of the role — to opposition grounded in principle and optics. Council member Farmer said the job requires extensive hours and argued the increase helps recruit a broader pool of candidates. Council member Sandhu said he could not, in good conscience, vote to increase his own compensation and expressed that the funds are public money and that he would likely vote no. Vice Mayor Reid and others argued for procedural safeguards that would bring the matter back for periodic review; staff and the city attorney noted future raises must come back to council for approval.
Council member Farmer moved to approve the ordinance as discussed, with a process to revisit compensation periodically; Vice Mayor Reid seconded. The roll call vote was Reid Aye; Pratton Aye; Sandhu No; Farmer Aye; Mayor Rodriguez Aye. The motion passed 4–1.
The ordinance includes no automatic escalator; any future increases would require council action. Staff said the adjustment will wait to take effect until new council terms begin, so it will not alter compensation for current council members during the present term.
