Montecito board declines proposed per‑meeting pay increase after debate over optics

The board considered Ordinance 26 on April 8, which would have adjusted director compensation by the district’s allowable 5% annual cap (a roughly $12 per‑meeting increase to $266.12). After discussion focused on public perception during an active rate‑setting process and uncertainty with some directors absent, the motion to adopt the ordinance did not carry.

Several directors said the timing would create poor optics while the district is pursuing sewer rate changes under Prop 218. Director Ullman cautioned against the public appearance of raising director pay while asking ratepayer increases; Director Rowland said the optics were poor. "I can see the headline now, board of directors implements rate increase to compensate for board of directors pay increase," one director said during debate. The board considered a motion to continue the item to the next meeting so more members could participate and so that the item could be discussed with additional context, but that procedural motion failed and the final adoption vote did not reach the votes required to pass.

Because the motion failed, Ordinance 26 will not be enacted; staff noted how to bring an item back through a motion to reconsider or future agenda placement if directors wish to revisit it. The board asked staff to re‑present the MOU agenda item at the next meeting.