San Mateo OK’s compensation, rotation change

The changes would codify the rotational sequence as a charter amendment, rather than relying on the assumption councilmembers will appoint the upcoming mayor due to historical precedent.

San Mateo is one of the many jurisdictions in the county that operates such an appointment system, whereby the most senior councilmember moves into the mayoral position for one year. But the process was disrupted in 2022 when now Mayor Lisa Diaz Nash and Deputy Mayor Rob Newsom objected to appointing a new mayor before a vacant council seat was filled.

The amendments would also update the process by which councilmember vacancies are filled if it occurs in the middle of their term. Rather than allowing the mayor to appoint a vacant seat if the council is deadlocked, the council would vote on the new member, and a special election would take place if they are unable to do so within 60 days of the vacancy.

Councilmembers also addressed compensation updates, a topic of discussion in several cities throughout the county, as the recent Senate Bill 329 expands pay limits for general law cities depending on their population size. Currently, San Mateo councilmembers are paid $600 per month, which runs down the middle compared to other cities’ monthly payments, such as South San Francisco and Millbrae, which provide $1,000 and $345, respectively. The city’s maximum monthly compensation according to the legislation would be $1,900, although councilmembers agreed to move forward with an increase to $1,000.

“For me, It’s more important to fix it for future councilmembers. … It doesn’t mean a lot to me. If we were doing this job for the money, well, we probably wouldn’t be up here,” Newsom said.

Led by state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, the legislation was lauded as a way to extend opportunities for more diverse councils, as the lack of pay is seen as a barrier to entry for those who are not as financially secure.

“I now have the lived experience of somebody who has spent multiple weeks of paid vacation from my other employer to attend council functions, to make myself available for trainings. Personally, I appreciate the privilege of being able to do that but not everybody has that privilege,” Councilmember Adam Loraine said. “It is important to broaden the opportunity for others to run for council in the city of San Mateo.”

Loraine and Councilmember Amourence Lee also noted interest in having staff research compensation changes to members of other boards and commissions as well, who currently do not receive payment, apart from reimbursement for expenses incurred while acting in their respective roles.

The new compensation for the City Council would not go into effect until after the next election is held.

Correction: A change has been made to clarify there would be a special election, rather than mayoral appointment, if the council is deadlocked.