Cape Canaveral council ratifies city manager evaluation, approves 5% pay increase

The Cape Canaveral City Council ratified the composite performance evaluation for City Manager Todd Morley and approved a 5% salary increase at its Aug. 20, 2024 meeting following extended discussion and competing motions.

Council had circulated a composite evaluation showing an overall rating of 4.43 out of 5. During the meeting multiple council members praised Morley’s accessibility, staff engagement scores and work navigating recent challenges; others cited lingering issues they said still needed attention. A motion to ratify the evaluation and grant a 10% raise failed. Later, the council approved a 5% increase in base pay by a 4-1 vote, with Mayor Wes Morrison opposed.

Human-resources staff provided comparative salary analyses and staff-engagement results as part of the evaluation packet. The HR director told council the composite score was 4.43 and noted the county- and peer-city salary comparisons included several coastal Florida cities. Several council members said they wanted clearer, measurable performance metrics for future evaluations; others said the 5% increase balanced fiscal restraint with competitiveness.

Council member Willis initially moved a 10% increase; that motion did not carry. After further discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kellam moved to approve a 5% increase; Council member Davis seconded. The roll call showed four votes in favor (Davis, Jackson, Kellam, Willis) and one opposed (Mayor Morrison). Council instructed staff to implement the salary adjustment through payroll and to continue refining evaluation metrics for future cycles.

The council also discussed benefits and noted the manager’s employment agreement allows council discretion to consider salary and benefits adjustments; staff will process the change and issue updated employment documentation.