Council approves 4% pay increases for city manager and city attorney after annual evaluations

The Clearwater City Council completed its annual performance evaluations for the city manager and city attorney during its Oct. 15 meeting and approved a 4% salary increase for each, effective retroactively to Sept. 20, 2025.

Council members commended City Manager Jennifer (last name not specified in public remarks) for steady leadership, crisis management during two recent hurricanes, budgetary work including a fiscally conservative budget, and investments in transparency such as public dashboards and a revamped website. Several council members noted the city’s emergency response, interdepartmental coordination and the manager’s role building and leading a capable team.

Council members also praised City Attorney David Margolis for legal leadership through complex matters, accessibility to council and staff, and for navigating litigation and contract negotiations. Margolis noted the difficulty of drafting SMART goals for a reactive counsel role but presented two measurable goals to council related to the Old City Hall parcel closing (Gotham) and ongoing litigation matters.

Council members discussed comparators, the city’s prior policy of targeting compensation near the 75th percentile for municipal staff, and the appropriateness of aligning executives’ increases with the 4% across‑the‑board raise the council previously approved for employees. Several council members said the city’s financial constraints and post‑storm recovery argue for prudence, but agreed a 4% increase was appropriate recognition. The vice mayor said she would consider up to 5% given the manager’s leadership in recovery and credentialing. The council ultimately approved 4% increases for both positions by unanimous vote.

Ending

The raises will be processed retroactive to Sept. 20, 2025; the council recorded public comments of appreciation for both executives and directed continued focus on the city’s strategic goals and implementation.