Hayward council approves salary-plan changes and employment agreements for council-appointed officers amid public concern over city clerk

The Hayward City Council on March 22 adopted a salary-plan amendment and approved new employment agreements for council‑appointed officers, including the city attorney and city clerk, after staff presented market and equity adjustments.

Human Resources Director Frey told the council the amendment updates titles for four classifications and includes salary adjustments for the fire services administrator, the city attorney, and an equity adjustment for the city clerk after a market study conducted in February. Director Frey described the total fiscal impact of the combined adjustments as approximately $20,665.

Council voted to adopt the salary-plan amendment; the motion passed unanimously on the record.

The council then considered employment agreements for the city attorney and city clerk, effective April 22, 2025 through June 30, 2027, which included cost-of-living adjustments and an increase in the attorney’s monthly equipment/automobile stipend. Staff asked the mayor to execute the agreements after council approval. Council adopted the agreements in a recorded vote and authorized the mayor to sign the contracts.

Several public commenters, including union representatives and city staff, urged the council to delay any pay increases for the city clerk until an ongoing internal investigation and monitoring were complete. Bria Allen, who spoke during public comment, said the proposed increase was “disheartening” while an investigation was underway. Evelyn Olivera, president of SEIU Clerical, said the union demanded that the wage adjustment be tabled until the inquiry concluded and asked for an independent audit of the clerk’s office and appointment of an interim leader if needed.

City employees and other speakers also defended the clerk’s office. Denise Chan, who identified herself as a former senior secretary in the clerk’s office, described the office as “professional” and said the clerk had guided staff through the pandemic and cross-training; Chan asked the council to approve the clerk’s contract.

Councilmembers said they were aware of staff concerns and that personnel matters under investigation should not be decided or litigated in the public forum. They voted to approve the salary changes and employment contracts while noting the council is following the personnel process and monitoring any internal inquiry.

Ending: Council approved the salary-plan amendment and employment agreements; staff and unions signaled they expect follow-up about any investigation and that personnel processes will be followed.