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Council weighs short-term reengagement with Employers Council for 2026 appointee evaluations
Summary
City staff told council the appointee evaluation contract expired Dec. 31, 2025, after about $6,300 in 2025 spending; council discussed three options — reengage Employers Council, solicit quotes (under $50,000, no formal RFP), or use internal HR — and leaned toward a short trial contract.
A staff member told the City Council that the contract providing evaluation and benefit support for three appointed physicians expired Dec. 31, 2025, and that the city spent roughly $6,300 on that contract during 2025. The staff member said the consultant assigned to the city, Rick Dela Castro, left Employers Council on Oct. 16 and that Employers Council has expressed interest in continuing the relationship while the city prepares its 2026 evaluation cycle.
The staff member outlined three options for the council’s 2026 evaluation and compensation cycle: (1) reengage Employers Council and ask staff to reenter negotiations, (2) solicit at least three quotes from qualified consultants (staff said anticipated costs would be under $50,000, which would not require a formal request for proposals), or (3) rely solely on internal human-resources support for process assistance. “Now is the time to begin scheduling goal setting and discussion, check-ins, and final review,” the staff member said, asking the council for direction.
Council responses favored expediency. Councilor Johnson said their past experience with Employers Council had been positive and recommended continuing with the firm. Mayor Burton said reengaging the firm would likely be the quickest path and suggested a short-term trial to allow the council to reassess: “I’m thinking maybe we test the waters for 6 months so that it just dissolves if we’re not happy,” the mayor said. Councilors asked whether the city would see a different consultant after Dela Castro’s departure and whether rates would change; staff said the VP of consulting had indicated rates would stay the same and that Employers Council planned to have both a replacement HR director consultant and a compensation professional attend any compensation discussions.
Staff offered to prepare a short contract for mayoral signature if council directs reengagement. The staff member said staff can also solicit three quotes and return with a comparison for review if council prefers that route. No formal vote was recorded; staff said it would proceed on the council’s direction.
What’s next: staff will prepare contract paperwork or solicit quotes as directed by council and return with comparative materials and timelines to support the 2026 evaluation cycle.
