The McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve an amended employment agreement for the city administrator under resolution 2024-56 on a motion passed at the meeting. The amendment raised the proposed pay step from the level discussed as “1.60” to “1.65” on the pay scale and reduced the severance period from 12 months to 9 months, after board debate and a successful amendment vote.

The contract and proposed changes were introduced under new business, with Libby, a city staff member who prepared a comparison of pay for administrators in similarly sized cities, noting the city administrator had been paid below peers. Board members discussed prior contract terms, past salary steps and the personnel policy that governs severance. Members said the original contract included a vehicle option the administrator declined during a prior budget year.

Several aldermen voiced differing views on the scope of the pay increase and the severance change. One board member argued that executive-level severance packages of six to 12 months are common in government and private-sector executive positions, while others said a full year’s severance was excessive and proposed nine months as a compromise. A board member pointed to recent hires and comparable local pay levels during the discussion, noting that some comparable managers are paid above the proposed level.

After the board moved to amend the resolution to the higher pay step and shorter severance, the amendment passed. The board then voted on resolution 2024-56 as amended. Roll-call votes were recorded with the following positions: Sally Brock — yes; Dietra Dunlap — aye; Steve Harvey — no; Rachel Kirby — yes; Carrie Morton — no; Cara Youngblood — yes; Mayor Chastain — aye. The amended resolution passed by majority vote.

Board members said the pay placement would leave the administrator within the city pay grade steps with potential for future, modest step increases in subsequent budget cycles. The contract also increases the severance window in the base proposal compared with the prior contract (which had a six-month severance provision). The board directed that personnel-file review, pay-grade steps and performance-evaluation timing remain consistent with city policy.

The board announced it would enter executive session after adjournment to discuss legal matters related to personnel. The adopted resolution (2024-56) will be reflected in the city’s personnel records and administrative actions going forward.