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Hollywood approves 3% pay package for city manager, hears transition plan
Summary
The City Commission unanimously approved a 3% amendment to City Manager George Keller’s employment agreement (2% for the manager role, 1% for CRA duties). Keller told the commission he expects to depart around April and offered a succession plan; commissioners debated an external search vs. internal succession.
The Hollywood City Commission unanimously approved an amendment to City Manager George Keller’s employment agreement on Nov. 19, adopting a 3% increase that combines a 2% raise for the city manager role and 1% for duties as CRA executive director.
Keller, who reviewed accomplishments including the stormwater master plan, a septic‑to‑sewer initiative, the Washington Park industrial redevelopment program, the rollout of Acela permitting and adoption of Trimble asset management, asked the commission to align his compensation with other labor groups. In his remarks, Keller said the city now employs about 1,533 full‑time staff — a figure he used to illustrate operational scale — and requested 2% for the city manager role and 1% for the CRA position to mirror recent labor increases.
Why it matters: Commissioners framed the vote as both recognition of recent operational progress and an opportunity to plan for leadership continuity. During the discussion, Keller said he would likely depart in about three years, identifying April as a probable three‑year mark and indicating he would give 90–120 days’ written notice if he resigns. That prompted debate about whether to begin an external search for a successor or prepare an internal succession plan.
Commissioners split on approach. Commissioner Schuham and others urged a deliberate recruitment process if the commission decided to go external, noting calendar constraints and the holiday season could lengthen a search. Several commissioners, including Commissioner Clary, said they preferred discussing succession once the formal resignation or firm timeline is presented. Commissioner Calari moved to approve the 3% amendment and the motion carried unanimously.
What’s next: The commission directed that the issue of succession and any additional transition steps be discussed at or before the Dec. 10 meeting; Keller said he can provide recommendations for a transition plan. The amendment was approved without dissent.
