Torrance measure asks voters to cap City Council's salary. It would actually raise members' pay more than 2,000%

Tucked into an anti-corruption measure on the Nov. 5 ballot in Torrance is a provision that would vastly increase pay for the city’s mayor and council members, stirring criticism from some residents who say city leaders have misled the public with a self-serving proposal.

Measure TC would amend the City Charter with new conflict-of-interest rules and a requirement for elected officials to take ethics training. But it also calls for “restricting compensation for members of the City Council to no more than the minimum wage of the State of California, which is currently $16 per hour.” If passed, the measure would actually raise the City Council’s pay by 2,673%, to $33,280 a year.

Currently the City Charter says the council, which is made up of council members and the mayor, shall receive a $100 monthly stipend and have any job expenses reimbursed. The position is considered community service work and most council members have other full-time jobs.

With benefits, the total compensation for a Torrance City Council member is currently about $13,000 a year, according to data from California’s state controller’s office.




https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-10-18/torrance-measure-asks-voters-to-cap-city-council-salary-would-actually-raise-pay