Minutes 08/23/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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J€ AUGUST 23, 1983 TUESDAY - although the matter was broached during budget studies, it should have been resolved at or prior to the meeting (from which Mr. West was absent) when the 1983-84 City Budget was adopted. Even so, Mr. West pointed out, able management should be recognized and rewarded, as is done in private businesses and industries and, too, with no intent to embarrass Mr. Edmonds, the City Manager is the City's chief executive and, as such, is performing his duties meritoriously. Vice-Mayor Oakes, in support of the proposal, pointed out that the - City Manager is not subject to the City's Pay Plan, which provides employees thereunder (in addition to annual salary adjustments provided at budget time for cost-of-living) in- creases for development, merit, and longevity. Councilwoman Severt then presented the fol- lowing prepared statement pertaining to this matter: After two weeks of reflecting on the motion to hold a public hearing for the purpose of amending the budget, I should like to make the following comments: First, I heartily concur with Mr. West that Mr. Edmonds is a City Manager of exceptional ability, judgment and performance. In the three years he has served our city, I have come to respect his opinions and appreciate his dedication to the people of Martinsville. We are fortunate to have a man of his caliber as our Chief Administrator. Second, I should like to explain my reasons for not supporting the proposal because I want to be sure that they (i.e., reasons) are not misinterpreted. - (1) I think the timing is inappropriate. I feel this is a matter that should have been considered during regular budget sessions and acted upon accordingly. I believe that special amendments to the budget should be reserved for those extraordinary expenditures that could not be anticipated. (2) During the regular budget sessions I spoke of the need for austerity during these very difficult economic times. I voted conservatively on salary increases at that time and (I) feel, to be consistent, I must continue to do so. (3) Because our city does have some provision for merit per- formance, I would also like to see if there are others who have performed with distinction and should be so rewarded.