Sparks council gives city manager 4% raise and additional $5,000 performance bonus

The Sparks City Council voted unanimously April 27 to accept the annual performance evaluation of City Manager Dion Louthan and to approve a 4% salary increase plus an additional $5,000 discretionary performance bonus. The action followed staff presentation of evaluation scores and council discussion of organizational improvements and fiscal context.

Staff reported the evaluation process covered May 2025 through the present and included eight categories (management, policy execution, financial management, relations with council, community relations, communication, leadership and professionalism); averages were tabulated and displayed to the council, with an overall score of 4.79. Council members praised the manager’s communication, accessibility and leadership during a recent fiscal challenge that included an $18 million budget deficit last year.

Council considered several motion alternatives for percentage raises and bonus levels. After discussion, Member Bivy moved to approve a 4% salary increase and an additional $5,000 discretionary bonus; Member Rodriguez seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The contract provides a $5,000 performance bonus for satisfactory evaluations that becomes automatic under the contract; the approved additional $5,000 is discretionary and will be added on top of the contract amount.

Council members also discussed succession planning, outreach about property‑tax impacts and continuing efforts to stabilize the budget. Staff said merit increases are subject to salary‑range limitations and Nevada PERS rules where applicable.