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Council approves one-year employment agreement for William E. Wilkins amid debate over search process
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about whether to launch a national search and how long to retain an interim manager, the council approved a one-year employment agreement for William E. Wilkins as city manager (08/05/2026–08/04/2027) by a 3-2 vote; public commenters expressed strong views both for and against the hire.
The council approved a one-year employment agreement for William E. Wilkins as city manager effective Aug. 5, 2026, with a base annual salary of $265,667.86, vehicle use, stipend in lieu of city-sponsored health/dental coverage and a 12% contribution into a brokerage account in lieu of traditional deferred-compensation contributions. City Attorney Wynne summarized the agreement and noted its terms are largely consistent with the prior manager's contract.
The vote followed an extended debate about whether to issue a national RFP for an executive-search firm now, how long a retention or contract should be, and the timing required to select a firm and run a national search. Two councilmembers dissented when the council approved the employment agreement; public commenters cited past personnel history, pension/benefit costs and the city's fiscal condition in urging both approval and rejection. Staff and supporters urged that Wilkins' experience would provide continuity while a search process is organized and that the procurement timeline for a full search could exceed six months.
"I will give my all," Wilkins said in brief closing remarks after the vote.
