PREPARED BY: MATT RODRIGUEZ DATE OF MEETING: 04/06/26
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH BRIAN HICKEY, CITY ATTORNEY: AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AMENDED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, EFFECTIVE APRIL 16, 2026
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance Statements
Employment of the City Attorney is not an adopted policy item specified in the FY 2025-27 City Council Priority Workplan, effective April 7, 2025, but is required under State law and is necessary for City operations.
CEQA Compliance Statement
This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
BACKGROUND
Since October 16, 2023, the City Council has employed the services of Brian Hickey as City Attorney and adopted an employment agreement to reflect said appointment and services via adopted Resolution 2025-145 in accordance with the provisions of the San Pablo Municipal Code.
The City Attorney (like the City Manager) is an at-will contract employee whose terms and conditions of employment are governed by contract/agreement including a schedule of benefits.
An amendment to the City Attorney’s Employment Agreement has been proposed and is attached for City Council formal review and adoption, outlining the following key provisions.
1. Effective Revision Date: April 16, 2026
2. Salary: $292,468 annually ($24,372/mo.); consisting of a +4% one-time salary adjustment.
All other provisions of the existing employment agreement remain unchanged, and in effect, under this proposed amendment.
Compliance with State Statutory Requirements for Executive Compensation
As required by California Government Code section 54953(c)(3), the City intends to provide an oral summary of proposed salary and compensation changes in the amended Employment Agreement for City Attorney Brian Hickey to ensure public transparency prior to the City Council taking formal action.
FISCAL IMPACT
All salary and benefit costs for the City Attorney position are budgeted under the adopted Two-Year (Biennial) FY 2024-25 & FY 2025-26 City General Fund Operating Budget. An additional increase of approximately +$2,345 will be incorporated into the City Attorney Departmental Budget through period effective April 16, 2026 through period ending June 30, 2026. There should not be a corresponding significant fiscal impact for this remaining portion of the FY 2025-26 period with increased costs to be absorbed within the existing City Attorney Departmental Budgeted expenses at fiscal year-end closing.
ATTACHMENTS
Att A - Resolution
Exh 1 - Brian P. Hickey City Attorney Employment Agreement (Amended April 16, 2026)
Exh 2 - RES 2023-118 (CA Employment Agreement)
Att B - Contract Employees Salary Schedule Revised March 3, 2026