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La Verne council approves city manager contract amendment after public criticism
Summary
Council approved amendments to City Manager Ken Domer’s employment agreement (minor benefit increases and application of a 2.5% merit step) after public speakers criticized the move; councilmembers publicly defended Domer and voted to adopt the amendment 5–0.
The La Verne City Council on Feb. 17 approved an amended employment agreement for City Manager Ken Domer that included modest benefit adjustments and the contract’s scheduled 2.5% merit step.
Staff summarized the requested changes: a monthly vehicle allowance increase (from $612 to $650), an increase in the city contribution to a retiree health savings account (from $100 to $150 per month), and authorization to cash out up to an additional 40 hours of accrued vacation per year. Staff estimated the annualized incremental cost of the benefit changes at just over $1,000; the 2.5% merit step — already part of the existing contract — would add about $6,700 if applied.
During public comment several residents criticized the amendment request. Richard (Rick) Bowen, a long-time resident, alleged mismanagement and called the requested benefits excessive, asking the council to deny the amendment. “How can our city council be held hostage to these types of demands?” Bowen said, arguing the city should not approve additional compensation while residents face rising costs.
Councilmembers responded at length. Councilmember Crosby and others defended Domer’s performance, describing his responsiveness, regional engagement and leadership during difficult fiscal periods. Crosby noted the merit step is contractual: “We don’t ask that of our…employees — steps are part of contracts; it’s owed,” he said. Multiple council members praised Domer’s availability and outreach, and some suggested July as an administrative date to implement merit adjustments if desired.
After deliberation the council moved to approve the amended employment agreement including the 2.5% merit step and voted to adopt the amendment by roll call, recorded as Item 11 (vote 5–0). The action was accompanied by public-recorded criticism and a substantial expression of support from council members.
Staff will execute the amended agreement and update payroll and benefits records accordingly; the council asked staff to ensure transparent documentation of costs and to continue public communication about compensation policies.
