Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Compensation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission unanimously renews executive director contract with 6% pay increase
Summary
After a performance review and discussion of recent staffing turnover and organizational priorities, the commission voted to continue the executive director's contract and apply a 6 percent salary increase to the existing contract base.
The Hillsborough County City‑County Planning Commission voted unanimously to renew Executive Director Melissa Zornita’s contract with a 6 percent salary increase to the current base, following a performance review and discussion of staffing and organizational priorities.
Commissioners discussed the director’s recent performance ratings, turnover in planning staff and steps the office is taking to coach newer employees. Commissioner comments ranged from praise for leadership to notes that recent staff transitions and a few errors had been addressed. "It continues to be my honor to serve as the executive director of this organization," Melissa Zornita said in response, noting staff reorganization and mentorship efforts underway.
Human Resources data supplied during the discussion showed an average review score that would place the director in the Planning Commission’s merit framework for a typical 4–5 percent merit increase; commissioners deliberated and agreed on 6 percent as the increase for the current contract period. Megan Baturney, Planning Commission HR manager, summarized the commission’s merit categories and recent cost‑of‑living steps taken for staff; she explained the historical pattern of prior annual adjustments and the 2024 lump‑sum payment that had been delivered as a one‑time non‑permanent amount.
Motion and vote
Commissioner Kona moved to continue the current contract with a 6 percent increase to base salary; Commissioner Cardenas seconded the motion. The chair called for a vote, and commissioners announced their support. The chair announced the motion carried unanimously. No members of the public asked to speak on the item.
Why this matters
The vote adjusts the executive director’s base compensation and signals the commission’s intent to keep leadership pay roughly aligned with staff market adjustments and recent merit policy choices. Commissioners cited the need to retain experienced leaders while the office onboards and mentors newer staff; they also noted the multi‑year pattern of prior increases and the 2024 lump‑sum adjustment that was used to help raise staff salaries.
Next steps
Staff will document the contract change and implement payroll adjustments consistent with county procedures. The commission did not adjust contract duration at the meeting and confirmed the current contract remains in place with the amended salary.
