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Council unanimously directs amendment to City Manager David Hall's contract; 4% pay increase and enhanced severance clause approved
Summary
After lengthy public comment for and against City Manager David Hall and an executive session on his employment review, the council directed the city attorney to prepare a contract amendment granting a 4% performance pay increase and an additional severance provision if the manager is terminated by a vote of less than a three-quarter majority.
Following extended public comment and an executive-session employment review, the Rowlett City Council on Feb. 18 voted unanimously to direct the city attorney to prepare an amendment to City Manager David Hall's employment agreement.
The motion, approved 6–0, instructed the city attorney to draft an amendment that (1) provides a 4% performance-based increase in compensation and (2) adds a provision that if the city manager’s employment is terminated by a vote of less than a three-quarter (3/4) majority of the full council, the city manager will receive an additional severance payment equal to twice the standard severance amount.
The vote followed a long citizen-input period in which dozens of residents spoke both in favor of and in opposition to Hall. Speakers who supported Hall cited financial improvements, infrastructure progress and improved services under his leadership; speakers opposed raised allegations about workplace culture and employee turnover and urged his removal.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the council issued a public statement thanking Hall and noting improvements during his roughly 600 days in office, including moving the city from a shortfall to a surplus and steps to accelerate capital maintenance projects. The council's direction authorized the mayor pro tem to execute the amended employment agreement after the city attorney prepares it.
Why it matters: The amendment formalizes a performance increase and strengthens severance protections tied to the manner in which a future termination vote might occur. It comes after a period of intense public comment and demonstrates council support for the manager’s leadership.
Actions taken: Council voted 6–0 to direct the city attorney to prepare and the mayor pro tem to execute an amendment containing the 4% increase and the enhanced severance provision.
