Pittsburg City Council Approves First Pay Raise in 30 Years
For the first time in three decades, councilmembers in Pittsburg, California, will receive a significant salary increase. The Pittsburg City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Monday, raising compensation from $500 to $1,600 per month, effective December 6, 2026, following the next general election. This salary adjustment is the first since 1995.
The decision aligns with changes in state law, specifically Senate Bill 329, which permits general law city councils to adjust their stipends based on inflation. This legislation aims to encourage more diverse elected bodies within local governments. Under the provisions of SB 329, councils in cities with populations between 75,000 and 150,000 can receive up to $1,900 per month.
Melaine Venenciano, Pittsburg’s director of city clerk services, noted that the previous compensation was determined during a period when the city’s population was estimated between 50,000 and 75,000. “The recommended amount recognizes that while Pittsburg may compensate up to $1,900 per month, its population is in the lower end of the range,” she explained.
A staff report indicated that among the 16 general law cities in Contra Costa County, Pittsburg ranks third in population but offers the third-lowest compensation for councilmembers. Comparatively, councilmembers in Antioch and Concord earn $1,900 monthly, while Brentwood compensates its members $1,150.59. Additionally, Oakley recently raised councilmembers’ pay from $456.75 to $800 per month.
Venenciano highlighted that current state law does not include retirement, health, and welfare benefits in the councilmembers’ compensation unless similar benefits are provided for city employees. Pittsburg does offer these benefits to its staff.
Mayor Jelani Killings expressed that the salary revision reflects the increasing responsibilities and commitments of councilmembers. “Nobody runs for City Council for the salary,” he stated, “but it acknowledges the demands placed on those serving in this capacity.”
In a separate development, the City Council also approved an employment agreement for Darin Gale as the new city manager. Gale, currently the assistant city manager in Brentwood, is set to begin his new role on December 15, 2023, with an annual base salary of $312,256. Gale expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of local government in connecting with the community.
“I love local government because you’re able to connect with the local community. The decisions made in this room during council meetings directly affect the residents of this city more than anything happening at the state and federal levels,” Gale said.
Councilmember Juan Antonio Banales welcomed Gale, highlighting his extensive experience in economic development. “A sign of a strong organization and community is one that looks for continuous improvement,” Banales remarked. “Mr. Gale brings that outside perspective to us.”
Councilmember Angelica Lopez noted Gale’s dedication, stating, “I think of Pittsburg as my baby, and it has to be entrusted to someone who has a good heart.” She indicated that feedback from Brentwood residents reaffirmed the council’s decision to hire Gale.
Gale holds a master’s degree in business administration from Drexel University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Sacramento State University. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. Before his tenure in Brentwood, Gale was a senior development project manager with the city of Sacramento, where he managed a federally funded small business loan program and established an economic incentive program to attract businesses.
With these changes, the Pittsburg City Council aims to enhance its governance and better serve the community, addressing both compensation and leadership challenges as the city grows.
