Title
Finalize 2026 Councilmember Salary Schedule
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Finalize 2026 Councilmember Salary Schedule
City Manager Recommendation:
Finalize 2026 Councilmember Salary Schedule
Report
Issue:
Whether to finalize the 2026 Councilmember Salary Schedule.
Staff Contact:
Manny Bosser, Human Resources Director, Human Resources, 360.753.8309
Presenter(s):
Regina Adams, Senior Human Resources Generalist, Human Resources
Background and Analysis:
The Salary Commission voted on a draft 2026 Councilmember Salary Schedule at their July 15, 2026 meeting. The draft Salary Schedule includes a 2.7% salary increase for all councilmembers to be consistent with the 2026 wage adjustment implemented on January 1, 2026 for independent City employees.
Commissioners also voted for a 22.4% increase in the Councilmember health insurance stipend. This percentage increase is the expected average increase in health insurance premiums the Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) will approve for 2027.
Commissioners voted to verify the percentage increase at their September meeting and to adjust Councilmember stipends accordingly if the OIC premium increase deviates from the projected 22.4%.
As of September 9, 2026 the OIC approved an average increase of 22.2%. The salary schedule reflects the newly approved rate increase of 22.2%.
Climate Analysis:
This discussion causes no significant impact to the climate.
Equity Analysis:
This discussion causes no significant impact to equity.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
No known interests.
Options:
1. Finalize the 2026 Councilmember Salary Schedule.
2. Do not finalize the 2026 Councilmember Salary Schedule and miss the October 1, 2026 deadline to file the Salary Schedule with the City Clerk.
Financial Impact:
The community may be interested in this agenda item as it sets Councilmember salaries for the next year. The total increase for all seven Councilmember compensation (including stipends) from last year will be $16,907.07, with most of the impact affecting the 2027 City budget. Councilmember salary increases begin in November, so the 2026 expenditure will increase approximately $2,818 and the 2027 budget will increase by approximately $14,089.
Attachments:
Draft 2026 Salary Schedule and Letter
Draft Addendum
OIC Press Release
2025-2026 Salary Comparison Charts