Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – On September 30, the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance to adjust its annual compensation for the first time since 2003. The ordinance, which will be considered final Board vote at its next meeting on October 14, would bring Board salaries more in line with those of elected officials in other Bay Area counties.
According to Marin County Code, the Board’s annual salary was set at 60% of a California Superior Court judge’s salary, this year equating to $149,962 for Supervisors. Tying the Supervisor salary proportionately to judicial salary is common practice across California counties. Marin’s current supervisor compensation lags behind other Bay Area counties, where supervisors’ pay averages 73% of a judge’s salary ($177,936) as set by local ordinances.
The proposed ordinance would increase Board compensation 5% per year over three years to 75% of Superior Court judge salary, matching the standard in neighboring Sonoma County. September 30 was the first reading of the ordinance, and it will be considered for final adoption at the next meeting on October 14.
Since the last time the ordinance was revised in 2003, the role of an elected Board member has expanded significantly. Supervisors are full-time County employees who also serve on numerous regional boards and commissions.
Marin County is among the most expensive places in the nation to reside, and Board members are required to maintain residency within their supervisorial district. The proposed salary adjustment is consistent with the scope of the position and reflects the level of responsibility and commitment required by the role.
The County of Marin has approved new labor agreements with its workforce bargaining units over the past few months to align employee compensation with the Bay Area market. Unlike union-represented employees, the five-member Board has not updated its own salary ordinance in more than two decades. This proposal is intended to bring Board compensation up to date in a measured and fiscally responsible manner.