Livingston commission approves consent items including city manager contract amid public objections

The Livingston City Commission on Monday approved consent items A through E, which included proposed changes to the city manager's contract, after several members of the public urged the commission to reconsider the pay and severance terms.

Members of the public voiced opposition during the consent-item public-comment period, citing local economic strain and concerns about the structure of the contract. Jesse Kula, a Livingston resident, said: "You're voting on a raise, and this is crap. Have you not been outside? Do you not see the state of the city streets?" Josh Congleton, another resident, told the commission the new language allowing more frequent compensation reviews alarmed him and questioned whether reviewing the manager's pay every six months could lead to repeated increases. Pam Van Geesten and Ellen Collins also raised concerns about an indefinite contract term and the size of a possible severance payment, with Van Geesten saying that a full year's salary and benefits in the event of termination could saddle future commissions with a large obligation.

City commissioners responded during discussion before the vote with a mix of defense of the packet and acknowledgement of community concerns. Commissioner James Willis (identified in the meeting as Commissioner Willis) and Commissioner Lyons described a regional compensation analysis used to set the proposed salary and said the commission sought to remain competitive with comparable city managers. Commissioner Willich noted that raises for city staff preceded the manager's proposed compensation changes and said the commission had focused on staff morale and retention.

The motion to approve consent items A through E was made during the meeting and was seconded; the chair called for the vote and the motion carried. The record shows the motion passed (motion text: "Approve consent items A through E") and the presiding chair declared the motion carried.

Why it matters: The contract amendments drew unusually large turnout during the consent comment period and prompted detailed public scrutiny. Citizens raised questions about priorities such as snow removal and downtown services while debating compensation and contract structure.

What happened next: After the consent vote the commission recessed briefly and then returned for scheduled agenda items, including the presentation of the energy action plan.

Ending: The commission approved the consent package despite objections from several residents. Commissioners signaled they will continue to weigh implementation and related budget decisions in future meetings.