Pompano Beach commissioners approve 3% raise for city manager after contested public review; no-confidence motion fails

The Pompano Beach City Commission voted 4–2 on July 8 to give City Manager Gregory P. Harrison a 3% pay increase, retroactive to Feb. 21, 2025, after an extended public hearing and sharp exchanges among commissioners.

The raise was proposed by Mayor Rex Harden and seconded; the measure passed on a roll call with Commissioners Fessick, Seegerson Eaton, Smith and Mayor Harden voting yes, and Commissioners Perkins and Vice Mayor Fournier voting no. The commission separately considered, and rejected, a motion of no confidence that would have asked Harrison to resign; that motion failed on a 3–3 roll call.

The debate opened after Human Resources Director Lisa Sonego summarized the mechanics: the commission could discuss Harrison’s performance and any related merit pay, including retroactive pay effective Feb. 21, 2025. Mayor Rex Harden introduced the 3% raise, saying Harrison had led the city through “thick and thin” and citing a multi-page list of accomplishments the manager had submitted for the review.

Opposition centered on process, the city manager’s handling of specific projects and personnel decisions, and questions about communication between the manager’s office and certain commissioners.…