Bell Gardens council revises commissioners' compensation policy to expand participation options

The council considered and adopted a resolution updating compensation policies for city commissioners on Jan. 12. City Clerk Daisy Gomez presented the recommended changes, which would rescind Resolution No. 2006-34 and adopt Resolution No. 2026-08 to clarify stipend policy for commissioners.

Under the proposed policy, members of commissions that exercise legislative functions (for example, the Planning Commission and the Traffic and Safety Commission) would receive a stipend by default. Members of advisory commissions would not receive an automatic stipend but would be able to request one by submitting a written request as part of their application. Gomez said the request option would be included on the application so applicants are aware of the choice and would not have to submit a separate letter.

Council members discussed implementation details, including options to make stipend administration simpler (for example, allowing applicants to opt out rather than submit a separate written letter). The council voted to adopt Resolution No. 2026-08 and to rescind the dated Resolution No. 2006-34; the measure passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Why it matters: The update is intended to broaden participation by reducing financial barriers for residents who serve on certain commissions while distinguishing legislative commissions from purely advisory bodies. Staff said the stipend for legislative commissions will become a default policy and that advisory commissions will retain the ability to request compensation through the application process.

The council approved the resolution by roll-call vote and directed staff to implement the application updates.