Los Banos council orders treasurer appointment measure for November ballot, approves pay ordinance introduction

The Los Banos City Council on June 17 directed staff to place a ballot measure before voters on Nov. 3, 2026, asking whether the city's treasurer should be appointed rather than elected. City Attorney Mary Lerner explained state law permits general law cities to submit the question to voters and that the resolution would (a) order the measure, (b) approve the ordinance's form, and (c) authorize required election filings; staff estimated County election costs for the measure at about $7,500.

Public comment included residents who said they trusted the city's finance staff but also others who preferred the treasurer remain directly accountable to voters. Finance staff said much of the treasurer's work is currently performed by finance staff and that the elected treasurer position has been largely ceremonial in recent years, with a small stipend plus benefits.

After discussion, the council voted to place the question on the November ballot by adopting the resolution that orders submission of the measure and related procedural steps.

Separately, council members debated an ordinance to update elected-official compensation consistent with 2023 Senate Bill 329, which raised the statutory maximums for cities in certain population bands. Mayor suggested establishing a range up to the statutory maximum and said the choice to accept any salary would remain voluntary for each council member. Mayor Pro Tem moved to introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 1215 setting council pay at $12.75 per month and the mayoral pay at $1,500 per month. The motion carried on roll-call with one recorded no vote.

What happens next: staff will prepare the impartial analysis and ballot materials for the treasurer measure and process the ordinance through the standard ordinance adoption steps if the council proceeds to further readings.