The salary and benefits costs for Aliso Viejo officials and staff are contained in the City’s fiscal budget which is approved annually in a public meeting. The City Council monthly stipend of $520 is in accordance with State law and has not been adjusted since 2008. The City Manager works under an employment contract that is reviewed annually and all amendments are acted on at public meetings. The salary ranges for all City positions are based on a compensation study conducted in 2018 according to the median among comparison cities. In addition, the salary ranges are adjusted periodically for a cost of living adjustment.