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Council approves 8% raise for city manager over 2024 salary; vote splits 5–2
Summary
The council voted 5–2 to amend the city manager's employment contract to increase total 2025 compensation by 8% over 2024; council discussion cited retention and comparability with peer cities while dissenters cited fiscal caution.
The Walla Walla City Council on Jan. 22 approved an amendment to the city manager’s employment contract that increases total 2025 compensation by 8% over the 2024 amount. The resolution passed 5–2.
Council discussion framed the change as two parts: a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied widely to nonrepresented employees and an additional step/market adjustment intended to move the city manager’s pay toward the median for comparable cities. Supporters said the raise helps retain senior leadership and maintain organizational stability; dissenting council members said the city budget is tight and cited fiscal caution in an uncertain sales-tax environment.
City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain was present; councilors praised her performance but several who voted against the amendment emphasized that their vote was a fiscal-position decision, not a reflection on her job performance.
Public comment urged transparency about the dollar value of the raise. Council members stated the 8% increase equals roughly $16,000 and would bring the annual salary to about $214,000 (figures provided by council during the meeting).
Council Member Casey moved approval and the motion carried 5–2.
