Oak Ridge council approves 3% raise, $3,000 bonus and three-year extension for city manager

The Oak Ridge City Council voted unanimously to amend the city manager’s employment agreement, granting a 3% salary increase retroactive to Nov. 1, 2024, a $3,000 one-time bonus and a three-year extension of the contract to Nov. 21, 2029.

Chairman Charlie Smith, chair of the city manager evaluation committee, told the council the committee met twice to set evaluation protocol and review completed performance evaluations. "The council's ratings of our city manager after his first year here were extremely positive," Smith said, and the committee unanimously recommended the pay and contract changes based on comments from council members and citizens.

The committee also recommended adjustments to the manager’s general and emergency leave accruals. Smith said the recommendation included that the mayor and the personnel director coordinate the technical details of those adjustments so the manager reaches the minimum emergency-leave balance that other employees receive after a few years.

The motion to approve the resolution that implements the raise, bonus, leave adjustments and contract extension was moved and seconded on the floor. No council member opposed; the vote was recorded as seven ayes and no nays.

The council’s public record shows praise for staff and the manager’s leadership during a challenging first year. City Manager (displayed in the meeting as) Ms. Teaman thanked the council and staff, saying, "It's a privilege to serve here. I want to thank you for clear direction and want to thank our staff." The council’s action amends the employment agreement immediately as recorded in the minutes.

The approval completes the committee’s recommendations and directs city staff to implement payroll and leave changes as set out in the approved resolution.