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Council approves employment agreement for Matthew Slagle as city manager
Summary
The Bristol, Tennessee City Council voted to approve an employment agreement with Matthew Slagle to become city manager effective Aug. 3, 2026, with a base salary of $225,000. Council discussed that the full contract was not included in the originally published packet; the agreement was identified on the record and summarized in open session before the vote.
Mayor Turner and councilors approved an employment agreement with Matthew Slagle to serve as Bristol's city manager, with an effective start date of Aug. 3, 2026, and a base salary of $225,000 per year.
Mayor Turner opened discussion by noting the resolution and asking the city recorder to identify the agreement for the record after the full proposed agreement was not included in the originally published agenda packet. City Attorney Danielle Smith identified the agreement and summarized material terms in open session, telling council: "The proposed agreement is dated to be effective upon approval and execution ... The base salary is 225,000 per year payable in regular installments through the city's payroll system." Smith also said copies had been provided to council and would be made available to the public as part of the meeting record.
Councilmembers debated the timing of the vote and public access to the backup document. One councilmember said they preferred to delay to allow more public review; others said the document had been identified on the record and that proceeding was appropriate. After a motion to proceed with consideration, council voted to both proceed and to approve Resolution 26-79 authorizing the city to execute the employment agreement.
The mayor summarized the non-confidential material terms in open session, noting the agreement addresses residency, duties, benefits, vehicle use, termination, severance conditions and other standard employment provisions. Council members said the final contract included accountability measures and thanked staff and outside counsel involved in preparing the agreement.
The approval authorizes the appropriate city officials to execute the agreement on behalf of the city. The agreement is to be effective Aug. 3, 2026; the full contract text was identified on the record and will be posted with meeting materials for public inspection.
What happens next: Slagle is expected to begin duties on Aug. 3; council flagged that any further administrative policy or implementing items referenced in the contract will be brought back to council or staff as required.
