Agenda Date: 10/20/2026
Subject:
Title
Motion to approve an amendment to the city manager’s employment agreement
Body
From: Kyle Schlachter, Mayor Prepared by: Tracy Hooker, HR Director Presentations: Tracy Hooker, HR Director
PURPOSE:
To amend the city manager’s employment agreement.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
The city council worked with a facilitator to review the city manager’s performance and established goals and provided feedback to the city manager. Four executive sessions were held; one on August 18, 2026, September 15, 2026, September 29, 2026, and October 6, 2026 to discuss the evaluation, provide feedback, and determine compensation. Based on the 2026 performance evaluation and market data, it was determined by council to award an overall financial compensation increase of $7,852 to the city manager’s salary.
In addition, upon signing the fifth amendment of the city manager’s employment agreement, the city manager will receive a tuition reimbursement in the amount of $2,000 annually to put towards educational expenses.
BACKGROUND:
City council hired James Becklenberg on July 6, 2022, for the city manager position. Performance evaluations are typically conducted annually, and this performance evaluation is representative of the 2026 calendar year evaluation.
Prior Actions or Discussions
Council last approved an amendment to the city manager’s contract in November of 2025.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The overall financial changes to the agreement are an increase in annual salary of $7,852 effective on January 1, 2027, which represents an increase of approximately 3% to the city manager’s salary. The city manager’s new annual salary will be $269,592.
Additionally, there is an annual financial impact of $2,000 for tuition reimbursement.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that council approve the amended employment agreement for retention and market competitiveness.
ALTERNATIVES:
Take no action on t...
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