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Council approves amended employment agreement for city manager after public criticism
Summary
The Corona City Council approved an amended employment agreement for the city manager on April 1 by a 3—1 vote. The update changes annual leave, longevity pay, severance and deferred compensation but leaves base salary unchanged; public commenters criticized the manager's leadership and compensation.
The Corona City Council voted 3 to 1 on April 1 to approve an amended and restated employment agreement for the city manager that adjusts annual leave, longevity pay, severance and deferred compensation while leaving base salary unchanged.
Lori Sassoon, the city's chief talent officer, briefed the council on the agreement and said the update modifies benefits and pay structure elements but does not increase the manager's base salary. "The amended and restated agreement includes the following adjustments: changes with regard to annual leave, longevity pay, severance, and deferred compensation. All the other terms remain unchanged and no change to base salary," Sassoon said.
Public comment at the meeting included sharp criticism from residents who said the manager's compensation and record warranted more scrutiny. "You've taken so much from this community and not given anything back," Rory Connell told the council, objecting to what he described as opaque personnel decisions and the manager's leadership style. Another speaker, Joe Morgan, criticized hiring decisions and called for greater accountability.
Council members moved the item and, after limited discussion, approved the agreement. The measure passed with three affirmative votes and one dissent. Mayor (presiding) announced the result: "That item passes, 3 to 1." The meeting record did not include a roll-call on each member's vote in the transcript; the clerk recorded the final tally.
Supporters of the agreement emphasized that the changes were administrative adjustments to the manager's contract terms rather than a base pay increase. Opponents drew attention to broader frustrations stated during public comment about project delivery and staffing decisions.
The agreement takes effect as stated in the contract before the council. Council members did not schedule further public hearings on the agreement; the meeting moved on to other agenda items.
What's next: the approved contract terms will be implemented through the city's personnel process; residents and council members indicated they will continue to monitor project outcomes and staff performance.
