Council approves 8% salary increase for city manager amid public objections; one abstention and one no vote

The Ojai City Council approved an amendment to the city manager's employment agreement that raises the city manager's base salary by 8 percent, a $20,000 increase to an annual salary reported by staff as $270,000, retroactive to the manager's anniversary date in January.

Human Resources/Risk Manager presented the closed-session outcome and the basis on which the adjustment was proposed, noting the city's customary procedure under Government Code Section 54957 requires an oral public report on compensation. Staff also said the revised salary range is within countywide comparators. The revised personnel schedule amendment was on the open session agenda for public discussion and vote.

The item drew a number of public comments opposing the timing and the process. One speaker urged the council to postpone the vote so constituents could review the proposal; another said paying a larger raise to an executive when many employees received a smaller across-the-board increase felt inequitable.

Council voted on the amendment by roll call: Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Lang and Council Member Whitman voted yes; Council Member May voted no; Council Member Ruhl abstained. The motion passed with three affirmative votes. The council also directed the personnel schedule be revised to reflect the change.

Staff said the increase is consistent with the range for comparable city manager positions in Ventura County and that other employment benefits and the previously arranged down-payment assistance remain unchanged. The council vote concluded after public comment and the item's open-session presentation.