AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2025-03, on the first of two readings, amending Section 2.024 of the San Marcos City Code, to increase the cumulative allowable amounts for certain city council expenses by $90,000.00 in the categories of council expenses elected and council expense and travel; including procedural provisions; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: March 4, 2025
Department: Finance and City Clerk
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: FY25 Prorated amount: $45,000 ($90,000 annually)
Account Number: 10001102.543XX (Multiple)
Funds Available: $45,000
Account Name: Council Expenses Elected and Council Expense and Travel
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: August 16, 2022 - City Council approved Ordinance 2022-64 that combined City Council Compensation and City Council’s policy for reimbursable expenses. December 3, 2024 - City Council directed staff to bring back an item for consideration that increases Council Expenses Elected and Council Expense and Travel. February 18, 2025, City Council discussed changes to the Council compensation and reimbursable expense ordinance and voted to table the ordinance.
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Background Information:
At the February 18, 2025 City Council meeting, there was discussion among Councilmembers that requested minor changes to the ordinance, as well as direction to send the ordinance to all Councilmembers giving each an opportunity to present amendments to the current ordinance. The minor changes are shown in blue instead of red and added “Travel” back to the name Council Expense and Travel.
The current ordinance governing council compensation was approved on August 16, 2022, Ordinance 2022-64, and became effective October 1, 2022. The ordinance increased Expenses Elected from $6,000 to $7,500. The ordinance also approved for Council Expense and Travel to increase from $6,000 to $7,500 for Councilmembers, and $12,000 to $13,500 for the Mayor.
At the December 3, 2024, City Council meeting, staff was directed to bring back an item for consideration that increased Council Expenses Elected and Council Expense and Travel. The requested increase amount was double the amount effective prior to passage of Ordinance 2022-64. The table below illustrates the requested increase in expenses for the Mayor and Councilmembers:
Using the increased amounts above, the following table shows the change to the annual Expenses Elected and Council Expense and Travel for the Mayor and Councilmembers:
The current combined annual total amount for Expenses Elected and Council Expense and Travel for the Mayor and the Six Councilmembers is $111,000. The revised combined annual total amount will be $201,000 for an annual change of $90,000. Assuming the change is effective April 1, 2025, the prorated change for Fiscal Year 2025 is $45,000.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
N/A
Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
City Council deliberate the proposed changes.