Laguna Woods council votes to raise monthly stipend to $500

The Laguna Woods City Council voted on Jan. 27 to introduce an ordinance that will raise the monthly stipend for council members from $300 (in place since 1999) to $500, to take effect with salaries paid for January 2027.

Staff explained state law permits councils to set pay between $0 and $950 per month without a voter measure and noted salary changes cannot include automatic escalators or take effect until after the next election. The ordinance draft left the salary amount blank for council to insert; council members debated figures ranging from $500 to $650 during discussion.

Supporters argued the increase adjusts for inflation since 1999 and compensates for time and expenses related to representing the city at regional meetings. One council member opposed the change, saying the stipend was intended to cover modest expenses and arguing city residents face financial challenges.

The council introduced the ordinance for first reading with the salary amount set at $500 per month; the motion carried on a council voice vote with one council member recorded in opposition. Council members noted that individual members may waive their salary if they choose and that any future increase beyond $950 per month would require voter approval.