Council approves Fourth Amendment to city manager agreement in 3–2 vote

The Beaumont City Council voted April 15 to approve the Fourth Amendment to the City Manager employment agreement, which includes an increase in the city manager’s base salary. The action followed staff presentation of the amendment and a public comment in support of City Manager Elizabeth Gibbs.

Human Resources staff recommended the amendment and told council there was one substantive change related to the city manager’s base salary; staff said the remaining costs for the current fiscal year will be budgeted and the remainder included in next year’s personnel budget. A copy of the original contract and prior amendments were made available in the back of the room, staff said.

During public comment, Michael Simon described Gibbs’s leadership and urged council to approve the amendment. Council members spoke in support and in opposition during the discussion. On final roll call the motion carried 3–2: Council member Phinn (Finn), Council member Martinez and Mayor Lara voted yes; Council member White and Mayor Pro Tem Voigt voted no. Two council members who spoke in favor praised Gibbs’s leadership; two said they had reservations about the contract terms but did not elaborate during the public meeting because the item involves personnel.

The council-approved amendment was described by staff as a negotiated annual amendment conducted with an appointed team; staff noted the adjustment will be reflected in the next fiscal year’s personnel budget. The council did not identify additional personnel actions at the meeting.

The amendment was approved by roll call vote: yes — Council member Phinn (Finn), Council member Martinez, Mayor Lara; no — Council member White, Mayor Pro Tem Voigt.