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Commission gives staff consensus to finalize city manager contract at $200,000 base with 5% review after six months
Summary
After discussion among commissioners about candidate fit and turnover risk, the body gave staff consensus to negotiate a city manager contract with a $200,000 base salary and a 5% performance increase contingent on a six‑month review; the final contract will be returned for commission approval.
The commission provided staff a consensus direction to finalize negotiations on the proposed city manager contract with a base salary of $200,000 and a conditional 5 percent increase following a six‑month performance review.
City Manager and city attorney staff reported a written counter‑proposal from the finalist, Richard Chess, offering a base salary of $200,000 and requesting a six‑month performance review that would trigger a 5 percent increase if performance met expectations. Commissioners discussed the candidate’s willingness to accept a lower salary than his prior position, tenure expectations for city managers and the administrative risks of turnover. Several commissioners said the city needs steady executive leadership; others asked staff to ensure the contract language and term provisions provide appropriate protections and a clear performance evaluation schedule.
By consensus, the commission directed staff to complete contract negotiations at the $200,000 base with the proposed six‑month performance review and 5 percent contingent increase, to circulate the final contract to the city attorney for review and to return the contract for formal commission approval.
