Yuba City council unanimously appoints Robert Bendorf as city manager, approves $280,000 salary

The Yuba City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 6 to appoint Robert Bendorf as the city’s permanent city manager, effective Jan. 10, 2026.

City officials said the employment agreement sets an annual salary of $280,000, provides a $1,000 monthly vehicle allowance in lieu of a take-home car, and grants a starting vacation balance of 120 hours in recognition of prior public service. Vice Mayor Pasquale moved the action and Council member Shaw seconded the motion; council members voted “aye” with no recorded opposition.

Human resources staff presented a third-party salary survey by Bridal and Associates that, they said, found the city manager salary was about 26.9% below the median for comparable agencies. Gina Roland, the city’s human resources director, summarized the survey and recommended adjusting the salary to the median of comparable agencies to remain competitive. She told the council there would be no increased fiscal-year 2025–26 cost from the change because the position had been filled on an interim basis for part of the year and had not accrued a full year of benefits.

In remarks after the vote, Bendorf thanked the council and described his long ties to the community, saying Yuba City had “an allure” and praising the city’s executive team. He said the organization has “a very dedicated, loyal, professional group” and expressed his intent to give back to the city that he said raised him.

The council approved the resolution following the Brown Act disclosure required for employment actions. The appointment concludes the council’s interim arrangement and establishes the permanent employment agreement for the city manager position.