Port St. Lucie council approves contract amendment for city manager and merit increase plus leave for city attorney

The Port St. Lucie City Council voted on Feb. 24 on annual personnel items for the city manager and city attorney.

Natalie Cabrero, the city's human resources director, summarized the materials provided to council, including a salary study, the city manager's employment agreement and annual report. The council approved a contract amendment allowing the city manager to receive the contractual increase afforded to general employees and to cash in leave as requested. Council recorded the motion and voted in favor.

Separately, the council reviewed the city attorney's performance. Staff materials noted the city attorney's office had processed a large volume of legal intake requests and completed substantial ordinance and policy work since his hire. Several council members praised the city attorney's performance. A motion that the city attorney receive a 6% total compensation increase — the 4% contractual increase provided to all general employees plus a 2% merit increase — carried. Council also approved an additional five days of annual leave for the city attorney.

During the discussion, the city manager, Jesus Marejo, told council he would prefer any merit allocation be directed to the team; the city attorney indicated he did not expect or require a raise. Council members nonetheless moved and approved the increases and the additional leave days.

HR indicated the contractual 4% increase for general employees is scheduled for March and the 2% merit would be applied immediately per the motion. The city manager's leave cash‑in and contract amendment were approved as presented.

Council did not record individual roll‑call votes in the transcript; actions were approved by voice vote.