City Council compensation

Members of the City Council receive compensation for their services pursuant to the City Charter. Their compensation includes a monthly stipend, auto allowance, retirement plan/deferred compensation, health insurance benefits, and life insurance benefits.

Monthly compensation details

  • A monthly salary of $1,000 for attending City Council meetings (updated in Resolution 2016- 094 and pursuant to Section 402 of the City Charter).
  • A stipend of $50 per session as a member of the Housing Authority, provided that members of the City Council may not exceed four sessions per calendar month
    (pursuant to Resolution 89-089).
  • A monthly automobile allowance of $500 (pursuant to Resolution 91-066).

Retirement benefits / deferred compensation

The City offers a CalPERS retirement plan for full time employees and designated part-time employees, and a deferred compensation plan (in lieu of Social Security). Members of the City Council have the option of either of the following plans:

  • Optional membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) equivalent to a regular City employee (Pursuant to Ordinance NS-2150).
  • Deferred Compensation in-lieu-of Social Security. The City matches the employee's contribution of 3.75 percent of salary.

Health and life insurance benefits

Members of the City Council are eligible to enroll in several City-sponsored group insurance plans, including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance (Pursuant to Resolution 89-089). Below is a summary of coverage available.

  • A $20,000 basic life insurance policy, while in office.
  • Medical/Dental insurance coverage paid by the City as normally provided for unrepresented appointed employees of the City of Santa Ana. Medical/Dental Cash-Back Option is available for those who have medical insurance coverage through other sources. Retiree Health and Dental is available (if eligible) at retired Mayor/Councilmember’s cost.
  • Vision insurance available for purchase.
  • Councilmembers may also enroll in the City's Section 125 Cafeteria Plan, also known as a Flexible Spending Plan, allowing payment for certain health benefits with pre-tax dollars.
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