Beaumont appoints interim deputy city manager and approves labor MOUs

Beaumont’s City Council authorized two personnel actions: appointment of an interim deputy city manager and approval of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering two employee groups.

Interim appointment: City Manager Chris Bowman recommended appointing Carrie Mendoza as interim deputy city manager following a recent vacancy. The staff report presented compensation and benefits for the interim appointment: an annual salary of $241,000 (a 5% increase over the prior base in the report), participation in CalPERS as a classic member (3% at 60), annual cafeteria benefits (listed at $22,980 in the staff report), a $350 monthly vehicle allowance, city‑paid life and disability insurance, and leave accruals consistent with non‑represented employees. Council voted to approve the employment agreement and authorized the city manager to sign.

MOUs: Staff presented two memoranda of understanding — one with the police management bargaining unit and another with managers/professional technical employees — covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. Key terms approved by the council include a 4% cost‑of‑living increase in year one, a year‑two and year‑three market/CPI adjustment of 1%–3% (1% minimum, 3% maximum), restoration of 5% step increases (previously 2.5%), new longevity steps at 10/15/20/25 years, additional administrative leave and expanded cash‑out options, and removal of a prior revenue‑sharing provision. Staff said the agreements were negotiated with assistance from the HR subcommittee and will be brought forward for full ratification where applicable.

Council recorded unanimous votes to approve the interim employment agreement and to authorize the city manager to execute the MOUs.

What’s next: staff will execute the interim employment agreement and process required payroll and benefit enrollments; the city manager will execute the MOUs and staff will present any final ratification actions as required.