Mark Watson
Oak Ridge City Council gave City Manager Mark Watson a 1.5 percent pay raise Monday and extended his contract by two years.
Council had been expected to consider a proposal, developed after committee and Council meetings, to have the city reimburse Watson for tuition and textbooks as he pursues a doctorate at the University of Tennessee. But Watson had withdrawn that request after a public outcry.
Council rejected a proposal by Council member Anne Garcia Garland to remove a provision that would pay Watson a cash equivalent for accrued emergency leave as part of his severance package.
That emergency leave is now worth more than $30,000 and “will grow in the future,” Council member Ellen Smith wrote in a blog post.
Council member David Mosby, chair of the City Manager Evaluation Committee, said the emergency leave provision was included in former city manager Jim O’Connor’s contract but had been omitted from Watson’s. The committee recommended giving it to Watson as well.
But Garcia Garland and a few residents objected, saying Watson’s benefits should mirror those of other city employees. If it’s right for Watson, it should be appropriate for all city employees, retired Oak Ridge Fire Department Captain Bill Henry said.
But other Council members said Watson’s employment is different from that of other city workers.
The city manager’s duties and responsibilities “far outweigh” those of other municipal employees, said Council member Chuck Hope, who is also a member of the City Manager Evaluation Committee. That’s why other compensation packages had been discussed, Hope said.
Council member Jane Miller pointed out that the tenure of an average city manager is five years.
Watson said he has been fired twice and was looking for some “peace of mind.”
Council voted 1-6 against Garcia Garland’s proposal to remove the emergency leave pay.
They then voted 6-1 in favor of Watson’s new contract, which was extended to August 2016 and raises his pay to $136,656. Council members said the contract extension is a largely symbolic move, but it shows community support.
The 1.5 percent pay raise is the same increase given to other city employees.
Anne Garcia Garland says
The argument that the city manager’s job duties and responsibilities “far outweigh” those of other city employees has a logical response: that’s why he gets paid the big bucks. I believe, as a former management consultant, that it is always counterproductive to an organization to make exceptions to personnel policy. Mr. Watson is an extremely bright and well-educated professional who can certainly provide his own peace of mind through performance. Mrs. Miller pointed out in council work session that paying for the manager’s PhD sounded like paying for his preparation for his next job. The time to provide help with education costs is when the city can afford its obligations and can offer that help to any employee.
Susie Williams Taylor says
Anne, I truly believe we would get along fabulously!
Susie Williams Taylor says
Well, Mr. Watson received his “peace of mind” after being “fired” twice. He can look forward to four more years of employment with Oak Ridge. More than comfortable income, good severance/emergency leave package, not sure about his health insurance coverage, however, I imagine it is more than adequate. He is living the “American Dream”. If I was a “gambler”, I would wager he WILL have a Doctorate, paid by City funds, by August 2016.
Contract extension is a largely symbolic move but it shows community support…quoted by council members. Really?? The whole Oak Ridge Reservation supports this decision?