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Sitka assembly gives municipal administrator John Leach an exemplary review, forgoes annual pay increase
Summary
The Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka on April 21, 2026 delivered an exemplary performance review to Municipal Administrator John Leach and agreed to forego an annual pay increase (0%) at the employee’s request and because of a recent adjustment.
The Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka gave Municipal Administrator John Leach an "exemplary" evaluation on April 21, and agreed to forego an annual pay increase for this review period.
The evaluation took place in public after Leach requested a public review. Multiple assembly members praised Leach’s leadership since he arrived just before the COVID-19 pandemic, citing his work on asset management, a usable strategic plan, staff development, and major local projects including airport and haul-out efforts. Assembly Member Kevin said he has "great confidence" in Leach’s leadership and credited him with guiding the city through difficult periods. Another member noted that Leach institutionalized asset management and pushed the strategic plan into day-to-day use.
Assembly members also raised operational concerns and transition issues for the months ahead. Assembly Member Salin asked what steps are required to restart hauling uninsured vessels at the haul-out yard and said community members were "ragging on" assembly members about affordability and boat-haul options. The chair asked Leach to compile responses and follow up with concerned members.
Leach responded that the job brings stress and tough decisions in a small community, but said he took the position "to serve a community that I love" and that he plans to stay in Sitka in some capacity after leaving the administrator role.
On rating and pay, members said "exemplary" was an appropriate designation but agreed not to award a cost-of-living or step increase at this time. The chair said the decision to apply a 0% increase honored the employee’s request and acknowledged a recent pay adjustment Leach had already received.
The assembly’s action leaves Leach with a formally recorded exemplary review and no additional raise tied to this annual evaluation; the chair thanked Leach for his service and encouraged a smooth transition planning process over the upcoming months.
The assembly then recessed briefly before addressing the municipal attorney’s evaluation in executive session.
