San Diego council passes salary ordinance 5–2 after debate over car allowances

The San Diego City Council on May 19 approved the fiscal year 2027 salary ordinance (item S504) after extensive debate about car allowances and timing required by the city charter. The vote was 5–2, with Councilmembers Moreno and Foster registering "no" votes.

City Attorney staff reminded the council that charter section 11.1 requires the council to set salaries by May 30 and explained the potential ripple effects if the ordinance were not adopted in time. Assistant City Attorney Jim McNeil noted the ordinance is tied to subsequent appropriations and collective bargaining approvals, saying failure to act could create complications for the appropriation ordinance later in June.

Councilmembers who opposed aspects of the ordinance, including the car-allowance language, argued the optics were poor given proposed cuts to community budgets. Councilmember Moreno said he could not support the item in its current form because it proposed car allowances for several senior positions while the city faces fiscal constraints. Councilmember Foster also stated he would vote no for similar reasons.

The administration, represented by staff in the meeting, said it would work with the council to amend specific line items — including proposed car allowances — during the June amendment cycle. Councilmember Campbell said the administration had promised to modify and reduce car allowances.

The council approved the ordinance and directed the city attorney and staff to prepare the appropriate resolutions and amendments for follow-up action. The council recorded the final vote as 5 in favor, 2 opposed; two members were absent.