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Woodside is one of few towns in California that does not pay its Town Council members. During a May 28 council meeting, council members showed interest in continuing the conversation on monthly salaries.
In 2023, Gov. Gavin Newson signed Senate Bill 329, increasing council members’ maximum pay. In towns with a population of less than 35,000, such as Woodside, Burlingame and Menlo Park, the maximum monthly salary is $950. Cities and towns can waive any compensation.
According to a staff report, if the town were to pass an ordinance on salary pay for council members, it would add $57,000 to the annual budget. Woodside, Atherton, Portola Valley and Hillsborough are the only cities and towns in San Mateo County with a population under 35,000 that do not pay their councils.
Council members Brian Dombkowski and Dick Brown mentioned that they’re spending their budget when traveling to meetings within the town and county, buying coffee or meals when meeting with constituents and hosting gatherings for the town. In addition to expenses, council members are spending a lot of time in meetings, away from family and taking time off of work, they said.
Council member Ned Fluet cited a Stanford Law Review article, saying, “Compensation ensures that a wider range of individuals, including those from various income backgrounds, can afford to run for, and hold, office.”
Flute’s comments highlighted the importance of attracting more qualified candidates and recruiting diverse representatives to the council.
The town has historically been run by volunteers and has developed a culture around volunteerism. According to Town Manager Kevin Bryant, Woodside didn’t hire a town administrator until 1965. Over the years, the town has evolved, and so have the responsibilities of working on the council.
“I think that the level of professionalism that’s been required now has changed, certainly over the 25 years or so that I’ve been involved with this and maybe that should be reflected,” said Council member Paul Goeld, who feels pride in being a volunteer.
Dombkowski acknowledged the awkwardness of the council voting on pay and suggested that monthly salaries be included in the midterm election in 2026 to avoid council members voting on themselves.
“Research I think is really kind of eye opening,” said Brown, calling for a continued discussion on salary. “And just the recognition that by paying somebody, you’re gonna get more responsibility, perhaps from that person.”
All council members expressed an interest in further discussion on compensation, calling for more research and exploring different avenues to develop an ordinance establishing pay.
“I would not be opposed to finding a way to add council pay as a way to sort of acknowledge the trend towards this role being very demanding and having increased requirements versus years past,” said Mayor Jenn Wall in support.
Other cities within San Mateo County with populations under 35,000 include Millbrae, which pays $345 per month, Menlo Park, which pays $950 per month, and East Palo Alto, which pays $600 per month.
This is a great idea. It smothers the comeback that anyone critical of the town council often hear: “yeah, but they’re volunteers working for free, what do you expect?”. So, no more of that excuse for cloudy thinking, sloppy administration, poor negotiation with vendors (eg. the ongoing ripoff by Greenwaste).
Ned — congratulations on quoting the least interesting conclusion found in that entire 60 page article. “Not being able to afford it” is not what is keeping people from volunteering. This is Woodside, remember? Do I need to remind you what the median income is?