Council appoints L. David Nafoussi as city attorney; agreement includes six-month severance and deferred compensation

The Tracy City Council voted to appoint L. David Nafoussi as city attorney, approving an at-will employment agreement that sets his start date, compensation and separation terms.

Key terms announced in open session: The employment agreement provides a biweekly base salary of $11,138.46, an employer contribution equal to 5% of base salary into a deferred-compensation account, participation in CalPERS retirement according to applicable formulas and benefits consistent with department-head compensation. The contract allows for six months severance pay in the event of separation (except by voluntary resignation, retirement or termination for cause). The agreement also provides for participation in health, dental, vision and life insurance and standard leave accruals; unused vacation is payable at separation.

Process: City Human Resources reported that the city conducted an external recruitment with the retained firm Peckham & McKenney. Staff said Mr. Nafoussi served as Manteca's city attorney at the time of recruitment and previously served in county counsel and private-practice roles. The council conducted the public appointment in open session and recorded a roll-call vote.

Why it matters: The city attorney is the council's chief legal advisor on municipal law, contracts and governance; approval of the agreement completes the recruitment process and starts an anticipated transition from the interim city attorney. The council acknowledged the interim attorney's work and welcomed the new appointment.

Vote: The motion to appoint and approve the agreement passed by roll call; the start date in the agreement is July 14, 2025.