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Sonoma council debates raising stipends to state cap under SB 329; some members favor $950
Summary
Staff presented options under SB 329 that allow up to $950/month for cities Sonoma's size; councilmembers split over timing and optics, asked for public input and data, and several signaled support for the $950 cap while the mayor voiced opposition.
City staff told the Sonoma City Council on July 15 that new state legislation (SB 329) allows cities of Sonoma’s size to set council compensation up to $950 per month and outlined three options: keep the current $300 stipend, an intermediate $625, or the statutory cap of $950. Staff noted the change would not be automatic and would take effect only after at least one council member begins a new term (earliest effective date discussed: Jan. 1, 2027).
Interim City Manager (name not stated in the record) explained the policy rationale provided by legislators — that stagnant stipends may limit who can afford to serve — and supplied regional benchmarking showing most neighboring jurisdictions have moved to the $950 cap. Several council members supported referring an ordinance to staff at the cap, citing recruitment of younger and less-affluent candidates, costs of participation and the limited direct budget circulation of modest stipends. One member said they regularly donated their stipend; others said the stipend helps cover travel and constituent engagement costs.
The mayor opposed increasing the stipend now, citing uncertain budget conditions, limited evidence that a small stipend materially changes candidate pools, and timing concerns given a projected budget deficit and economic uncertainty in the tourism industry. The council asked staff to pursue public outreach and return with data and a draft ordinance; a subset of councilmembers indicated a straw-poll preference for the $950 cap to staff.
No ordinance was adopted at the meeting. Staff was directed to gather public input and return with an ordinance and supporting materials, including research and outreach results.
