Churchill County commission approves hire of Chris Spross as county manager, approves $7,200 vehicle stipend

The Churchill County Commission voted 2-1 on June 6, 2025, to approve an employment offer to Chris Spross as county manager that places him at Grade 96, Step 3, includes a $7,200 annual vehicle stipend and provides 5 percent annual merit increases.

The offer matters because the county manager oversees county operations and the terms of the offer — notably the vehicle stipend and above-standard merit schedule — were the subject of sustained debate among commissioners over adherence to the county's salary policy (Title III) and the appropriate use of county vehicles.

County staff member Joe Sanford told the commission that the board had directed Human Resources and him to negotiate terms with the candidates and that the negotiated terms were included in the meeting packet. Sanford summarized that Spross had requested continuation of a $7,200 annual personal vehicle allowance, placement on Grade 96 with merit increases set at 5 percent per year and that, in earlier negotiations, Spross had sought placement at a higher initial step that would have accelerated his salary progression. Sanford said Spross would assume the position effective July 7, 2025.

Commissioners questioned the stipend because a county vehicle is currently assigned to the manager's office. Commissioner Hyde said he did not support the $7,200 stipend because “we do have a vehicle there and it doesn't seem to have been a problem for any other county manager.” Hyde argued the board should adhere to the county's compensation and salary administration policy in Title III and that deviations set difficult precedents.

Sanford and other commissioners responded that the stipend is the standard practice when an employee uses a personal vehicle in lieu of a county vehicle and that the stipend covers maintenance and costs associated with business use of a personal vehicle. A public commenter, identified in the record as Chris Bross, said that if Spross accepted the position the current manager's vehicle would be available to backfill the assistant county manager role.

Commissioner Haidt moved to approve the contract terms including the $7,200 stipend, Grade 96 Step 3 and the 5 percent annual merit increases; the motion passed by a recorded voice vote, 2 to 1. The commission directed staff to prepare a formal offer letter reflecting the terms approved by the board. After a brief recess and private consultation, Chris Spross told the board he accepted the offer as presented.

Sanford said a formal offer letter would be prepared for signature and that the letter would incorporate Title III terms except as specifically modified by the negotiated provisions discussed at the meeting. The board recessed and then adjourned after the acceptance was recorded.

Votes at a glance - Offer of employment to Chris Spross as county manager (Grade 96, Step 3; $7,200 annual vehicle stipend; 5 percent annual merit increases): Passed, 2–1. Candidate acceptance: confirmed; start date as negotiated: July 7, 2025.

Less-critical details - Alternate candidate: Jennifer Savage had negotiated different terms noted in the packet, including Grade 96 Step 1, a three-month severance provision effective between months six and 12 if terminated by either party, and $5,000 relocation assistance; the board did not advance an offer to Savage.