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Needles council votes 4–2 to send council‑pay charter amendment to November ballot
Summary
After a successful motion to reconsider, the council voted 4–2 to place a charter amendment on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot that would change council compensation currently set in the charter; public speakers urged letting voters decide.
The Needles City Council voted 4–2 to place a charter amendment on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot that would change council compensation currently set in the city charter.
Staff explained the charter requires four affirmative votes to adopt an amendment and presented a brief summary of the measure. During the staff presentation, several different figures were referenced: the staff at one point said the charter would be changed from "$1 a month to $115 a month,” and later the presentation described the measure as proposing "$150 compensation per month" and an annual budget impact of "$12,516" to be funded from the general fund. City Manager (staff) said the item was being returned for reconsideration so the council could take up the matter with a full membership; the council first voted to allow reconsideration and then voted to place the measure on the ballot.
Members of the public urged that voters, not council, make the decision. Tim Terrell (1335 Willow Hill) said, "Whether you're for this or against us, it should be our right to vote on this issue." Wayne Colburn (2237 Casa Loma Street) made a similar appeal, saying the community should have a voice.
The council record shows the motion to submit the amendment passed by roll call, 4 yes, 2 no. The measure will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot; the city will publish final ballot language and any fiscal impact statements required by law prior to the election.
