PITTSBURG — For the first time in 30 years, councilmembers in Pittsburg will receive a salary increase — but it won’t take effect until late 2026.
The Pittsburg City Council on Monday unanimously approved an ordinance updating its municipal code to raise compensation from $500 per month, a rate set in 1995, to $1,600 per month.
The increase will take effect on Dec. 6, 2026, after the next general election.
Melaine Venenciano, Pittsburg’s director of city clerk services, said the salary hike in 1995 was determined based on the city’s population, estimated to be between 50,000 and 75,000 at the time.
In 2023, Senate Bill 329 allowed general law city councils, which includes Pittsburg, to adjust their stipend for inflation in order to encourage more diverse elected bodies.
Under SB 329, councilmembers in cities with populations between 75,000 and 150,000 can be compensated up to $1,900.
“The recommended amount recognizes that while Pittsburg, by law, may compensate up to $1,900 per month, its population is in the lower end of the population range,” said Venenciano.
According to a staff report, general law cities in Contra Costa County offer a range of compensation. Of the 16 in the county, Pittsburg has the third-highest population, but its City Council compensation is the third-lowest.
In Antioch and Concord, councilmembers are paid $1,900 monthly, while Brentwood pays $1,150.59. In 2024, Oakley increased councilmembers’ pay from $456.75 per month to $800 per month.
Venenciano noted that current state law does not include any amounts paid by a city for retirement, health and welfare, and federal social security benefits unless the same benefits are available and paid by the city for its employees.
“And that is the case here in Pittsburg, since the city does make available and pay for these benefits,” said Venenciano.
Mayor Jelani Killings said the salary revision reflects not just changes in state law, but also the duties, responsibilities, and commitment for members serving on the City Council.
“I think we all know that nobody runs for City Council for the salary. … But I think what it does take into note is in terms of the requirement, the demand that is placed on councilmembers and serving in this capacity,” said Killings.
Separately, the City Council also on Monday unanimously approved an employment agreement for Darin Gale as Pittsburg’s next city manager.
Gale is currently the assistant city manager in Brentwood.
He will begin his duties as Pittsburg’s next city manager on Dec. 15, drawing a base salary of $312,256 annually. On Monday, Gale said he was humbled by the opportunity.
“I love local government because you’re able to connect with the local community. What the employees of the city of Pittsburg do here on a daily basis touches the lives of our residents,” said Gale. “The decisions that are made in this room during council meetings directly affect the residents of this city more so than anything that’s happening in the state and federal government.”
Councilmember Juan Antonio Banales said he is excited to have Gale on board, as he brings extensive experience in economic development.
“I think a sign of a strong organization and community is one that every so often looks and says, ‘what can we continue to improve on? … What is the next 10, 15 years going to look like,’” said Banales. “And sometimes that involves bringing outside perspective and Mr. Gale brings that to us.”
Councilmember Angelica Lopez said one of the things she observed about Gale is that “he has the heart of a servant.”
“I think of Pittsburg as my baby, and who would you entrust your baby to? It has to be with someone that you know has a good heart or that appears to have the best interest of the people,” said Lopez. “I have personally observed certain things … seeing the comments that Brentwood residents are saying about Mr. Darin just reaffirmed our decision, and I look forward to having our constituents say that about Darin one day.”
Gale has a master’s degree in business administration from Drexel University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Sacramento State University.
He is also a graduate of the Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.
Prior to moving to Brentwood, Gale was a senior development project manager with the city of Sacramento, where he oversaw a federally funded small business loan program and established an economic incentive program to attract businesses.
He also spent 10 years in Yuba City in various roles, including as deputy city manager.