The Bellmead City Council approved a 4% merit increase for the city manager and a change to his vehicle allowance following discussion of the manager's performance on Nov. 12.

City Manager Adam A spoke before the council during the evaluation discussion, praising department directors and defending enforcement actions such as yard cleanups and permit enforcement. He told the council Bellmead is "in a good spot" and said he welcomed feedback. Council members discussed whether to tie any increase to a percentage consistent with other staff raises; several members said a 4% increase is consistent with the top increases other employees receive.

Council members also debated raising the vehicle allowance (the current allowance was stated as $8,500) to an increased level. After back-and-forth about calculation methods and sample costs, Councilman Moore moved to approve the evaluation package described in the motion as "4% plus, moving at 11 for his mileage." The motion was seconded and the roll-call vote recorded four 'yes' votes and one 'sustain' (Councilwoman Coleman agreed to the 4% but withheld support for the vehicle-allowance increase).

The council did not provide an amended written resolution on the record at the meeting; staff will implement the approved compensation changes consistent with payroll processes and council direction.