Sparks council gives city manager positive review, approves 3% raise; manager declines performance bonus

Sparks City Council completed the annual performance review of City Manager Dion Louthan at its June 9 meeting and approved a 3% salary increase effective in the first full pay period after July 1, 2025. Councilors also recorded that Louthan will forego the $5,000 performance bonus referenced in his contract.

Human Resources Director Shauna Halterman presented the evaluation process and results. Council members individually rated the manager across eight categories (management, policy execution, financial management, relations with council, community relations, communication, leadership, and professionalism) on a 0–6 scale. The tabulated average overall rating was 4.92, placing Louthan between “very good” and “excellent.” Halterman summarized recurring themes from the evaluation: councilors praised Louthan for addressing fiscal and operational challenges head-on, fostering a collaborative internal culture, communicating regularly with council and regional partners, and providing practical solutions.

Council members offered their individual comments on Louthan’s leadership. Mayor Lawson and several council members commended his communication style and regional collaboration. Councilmember Anderson moved to accept the evaluation, approve a 3% salary increase and include language concerning the performance bonus; the motion recorded the city manager’s decision to decline any performance bonus payment. The motion passed unanimously.

Haltermann noted the manager’s contract permits an increase up to 5% and a bonus between $5,000 and $10,000 if performance is “satisfactory or better.” Council and staff discussed fiscal constraints and legal requirements before finalizing the compensation action; Louthan said he was “comfortable” with the council’s direction and thanked the council and staff. The council’s vote was unanimous.