John Willoughby: Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Madison City Commissioners gathered to hold their monthly regular scheduled meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sarah Anderson, was in attendance for her first regular scheduled meeting since becoming city manager. Anderson voiced that she was “surprised by the salary amount,” that was stated in the proposed City Manager Employment Agreement.
Anderson came to the podium to address her desire to not accept the employee benefits that came with the employment agreement. Because the retirement she already has included benefits such as health, dental and vision, she felt it unnecessary to have the city spend money on the benefits she will not utilize. Instead, Anderson said that those benefits “could be a savings to the city or [we can] discuss the salary itself.”
Commissioner Ina B. Thompson also expressed her concern on why Anderson's salary differed from past city managers. “[Anderson] met all the requirements and I don't see why it should be such a discrepancy in her starting salary as opposed to past city managers.” It was stated that former City Manager, Tim Bennett started around $71,000 per year for his service to the community. Commissioner Judy Townsend stated that Bennett had “considerable experience.” Thompson reminded Townsend that the position advertisement did not specify how many years of municipal, corporate and/or individual experience was needed.
Townsend then replied that past city managers had 10 to 20 years of experience in bigger cities as opposed to a four year term in the Town of Lee, which has no police department and only a small, volunteer fire department.
Mayor Rayne Cooks expressed that she based the compensation on what Anderson made while working as the City Manager in the Town of Lee. “There's a big difference between Lee and Madison,” said Cooks. “We need to see how it works out. I'm not saying this is what [the salary] is going to [stay].” Thompson was continual in her lack of understanding but Townsend reminded the council, Anderson and the citizen's present, that there is still a six month evaluation period. At the end of the six month period, the council will then evaluate Anderson on her job. “We should evaluate and when everybody is satisfied, then here come's the $60 or $70,000. Madison's going to be a challenge it's a challenge for us,” said Townsend. “If you can work six months, and you do good in Madison, you deserve a heck of a raise. I'll be the first one to say that.”
Mayor Cooks reassured Anderson that the starting salary of $4,166.67 per month ($50,000.04 annually) was only temporary, pending the evaluation after the six month period. “This gives you an opportunity to prove you can do this job,” said Cooks. “I will show you,” said Anderson confidently.
Commissioner Jim Catron explained his beliefs that if the city does not have to pay the benefits out to Anderson, the salary should be raised five or six thousand more than what Anderson's starting annual salary was initially set at, with benefits included. A motion was made by Catron and was seconded by Commissioner Jim Stanley. The motion to approve the agreement; as amended, passed unanimously 5-0. The starting salary for Anderson was changed from 4,166.67 per month (50,000.04 annually) to 4,583.33 per month (54,999.96 annually).
The next scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Madison City Hall is located at 321 SW Rutledge St., in Madison.