Ishpeming council extends city manager's contract despite split vote

The Ishpeming City Council on June 17 approved an amendment extending the city manager's employment agreement to five years and adding severance language that opponents described as unusually generous. The motion passed in a roll-call vote: Mayor Pat Scammon No; Councilmember Brett Argo No; Councilmember Jason Chapman Yes; Councilmember Claudia Demarest Yes; Councilmember Kurt Kinnucan Yes.

During discussion, a public speaker, Bill Anderson, warned the council against approving the contract without changes, arguing it would obligate the city to pay the manager the remainder of the five-year contract "100%" if terminated. Anderson also called for more transparency, noting pending arbitration and the timing of the contract relative to upcoming council elections.

Supporters said the change formalizes compensation and severance terms, and described the adjustment as providing clarity to the employment relationship. Opponents said guaranteeing a full-year salary plus retirement-replacement payments could be fiscally imprudent, especially given the city's current budget pressures and recent debates over potential millage proposals.

The council adopted the amendment after a motion and second and proceeded with a roll call that recorded three votes in favor and two opposed. Councilmembers who opposed cited concern over the severance amount and the timing of the amendment ahead of upcoming elections.

What happens next: The extended contract takes effect as amended; councilmembers and staff indicated they will include contract review and transparency steps in future policy discussions.