Council approves SEIU memorandum and a merit raise for the city manager

The council approved a joint resolution to amend the memorandum of agreement with SEIU Local 721 authorizing multi‑year compensation and benefit changes. Staff summarized the key terms: increases in meal allowance to $25 and food allowance to $400, tuition reimbursement to $1,800 per fiscal year, doubled standby pay levels ($48/day regular working days; $72/holiday/regular day off), a one‑time payment of $1,000 payable 01/16/2026, a sequence of 3% salary‑range adjustments phased across the contract period, and full city payment of dental and vision premiums effective March 2026. Staff estimated a total three‑year cost of approximately $5,910,000 and requested an appropriation of $1,078,247 from the general‑fund balance for the remainder of FY 2025–26; council voted unanimously to adopt the resolutions and appropriation.

Separately, in closed‑session follow up timing, the council approved Resolution No. 2025‑41 to amend the city manager’s employment agreement and grant a 5% merit salary increase based on a satisfactory performance evaluation; the increase was retroactive to 07/01/2025 and results in a reported annual base salary of $285,600.02. Council members indicated other prior benefit levels remain unchanged.

Council also directed staff to return on 01/12/2026 with proposed revisions to the terms and conditions for confidentially designated employees to align benefits and one‑time payments with previously approved management terms; that matter was continued for final adoption after public input.