West Hollywood City Council to Consider Pay Raise for Itself and Appointed Officials

At an adjourned regular meeting of the West Hollywood City Council on Monday, June 24, the West Hollywood City Council is expected to consider a bill. amendment in Section 2.08.070(b) of the West Hollywood Municipal Code. The amendment seeks to increase the monthly compensation of city council members to $1,724.79 and increase the stipend for advisory council and commission members from $75 to $100 per meeting, not to exceed $200.

According to California Government Code Section 36516, a common law city may adjust the monthly compensation of council members based on the city’s population, allowing an increase of up to five percent per year. The West Hollywood City Council last increased pay in October 2022, setting the monthly rate at $1,568. The new proposal suggests increasing that amount to $1,724.79 per month, starting Dec. 17, 2024, after the November 2024 election is certified. This would result in annual compensation of $20,697.48 per council member.

In addition to base compensation, Council members receive allowances for telephone, Internet, miscellaneous office and transportation costs, as well as medical contributions and other benefits. Reimbursements for necessary travel expenses are governed by Government Code § 36514.5 and City Policy AB 1234.

Regarding compensation for appointed officials, compensation has remained unchanged since 2016. The current proposal recommends increasing compensation from $75 to $100 per meeting. Appointed officials would receive no more than $200 per month. For example, planning commissioners and rent stabilization commissioners, who meet twice a month, would receive a monthly stipend of $200. The new allocations will come into effect on January 1, 2025.

According to a city staff report, the City Council’s decision to adjust council member compensation and appointed officials’ stipends aligns with its ongoing efforts to promote social equity and recognize the contributions of its officials. The proposed changes reflect a commitment to fair compensation and recognition of rising costs of living and inflation rates. The Council will consider these amendments at its next session.