Posted on Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.
Want to know details from the contract of Ann Arbor's new city administrator?
By Paula Gardner
Steve Powers has been hired as Ann Arbor's next city administrator - and now his contract is available for public perusal.
It was signed Aug. 5, and promises $145,000 per year in annual compensation, payable in biweekly installments. The former Marquette County administrator will also get up to $30,000 in costs associated with moving to Ann Arbor.
Other details outlined include specifics of general terms and conditions of employment - like how he's an at-will employee, the length of notice in case he resigns (that would be 60 days), and how much severance he'll receive (12 months pay) if he's terminated for any reason other than "just cause."
Comments
Mr Blue
Fri, Aug 12, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
Mr Powers will be worth every penny if he changes direction from Roger Fraser's bureaucratic corporatocracy that added overpaid administrators and managers and cut front line workers. Mr Powers can begin by changing the unresponsive nature of the real work of City Hall and restore the working relationship between public workers and the people they serve.
Bill
Fri, Aug 12, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
The year's severance for termination starting from day 1 is excessive. Few companies today will offer such a generous severance and certianly not to a new hire. In a better economy this employment agreement would be very reasonable. With the current economic situation, I do find that having the city provide 15% ($21,750 based on starting salary of $145k) to the 401K providing he matches with 7.5% excessive. Many companies off matching but not up to that amount and certainly a municipality paying with tax payer dollars shouldn't be making those type of agreements. This would bring into question exactly how much is being paid in 401K matching to all employees in Ann Arbor. I was also surprised to find a payment of $2,500 per year to a retirement health care program. Would this be in lieu of other standard government program? The $30K for moving expenses is reasonable. I have made several business related moves in my career and $30K would actually be on the lower side of what was spent to relocate me to various areas. Keep in mind the $30K is not just the actual move but included temporary housing, real estate fees, etc.
Jack
Sat, Aug 13, 2011 : 1:21 a.m.
City employees used to get $20 a month in "matching" 401K funds. This has been discontinued. Additionally, I heard that new City employees will receive no pension from the City. Don't know the details.
Carole
Fri, Aug 12, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.
$30,000 to move from Marquette to Ann Arbor is totally outrageous. I am also not in favor of receiving a full years salary if his job is terminated. I don't know of any other position, except the superintendent of the public schools, who receives a year's worth of salary when they are asked to leave their position. If an individual is not doing the job accordingly and needs to be let go, so be it. Have not read the rest of his contract, but will do.
xmo
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.
Thank goodness our city leaders choose with great care this man to lead us. After his outstanding performance in Marquette County with retiree's coming back to work and getting both pay and pension money. Our Union employees will love him. Please remember to vote for hope & CHANGE in November!
Lakewood Mom
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 10:24 p.m.
Check out where & how he came from. The link I wanted to post didn't work, so...<a href="http://www.uppermichiganssource.com" rel='nofollow'>http://www.uppermichiganssource.com</a>. "Marquette County official lands job in Ann Arbor" (July 21, 2011). Also, read the comments.
Hunterjim
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.
For that money as well as moving expenses he is required to live with-in the city limits of Ann Arbor!