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Porterville names Richard Tree permanent city manager; two‑year contract approved
Summary
After a national search and closed‑session interviews, the council voted to appoint Richard Tree as Porterville’s city manager on a two‑year contract with compensation aligned to prior terms and modest step increases and performance provisions.
The City Council formally appointed Richard Tree as Porterville’s city manager and approved a two‑year employment agreement that reflects previously negotiated manager terms with some clarifications on severance and increases.
Staff recounted that Tree had been serving as interim city manager since May 24, 2025, and that the council completed interviews for a permanent city manager on September 10. The proposed agreement establishes a two‑year term, sets base compensation at $180,000 annually ($15,000 per month), provides a 2% annual increase beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and permits annual performance-based adjustments up to 5% at the council’s discretion. The contract clarifies severance entitlement to apply only for involuntary separation without cause and limits the severance to months remaining on the contract if fewer than 12 months remain.
Council members praised Tree’s leadership during a challenging budget year, cited his transparency during budget study sessions, and said the pay level is lower than the prior city manager’s compensation as a demonstration of fiscal restraint. The council approved the appointment and asked staff to schedule a ceremonial swearing-in at the next regular meeting. The motion to approve the employment agreement passed (recorded vote reported as four in favor with one abstention).
