The Phoenix council hikes city manager’s pay to $315,000.
Despite opposition from residents reeling over proposed cuts to public programs, Phoenix City Council members voted 6-3 Wednesday to ap- prove a $315,000 annual salary for newly promoted City Manager Ed Zuercher.
The council approved Zuercher’s new contract, which raises his base pay by more than $56,000. He had been on a $258,939 salary since taking over as acting manager in October.
Residents and some city employees protested Zuercher’s pay amid a $37.7 million city budget deficit. To balance the budget, Zuercher has released a trial budget that would close senior centers, public pools and recreation centers.
Council members who voted for Zuercher’s contract said it was important for the city to offer competitive pay so it can attract leaders. Zuercher oversees about 14,500 employees and a $3.5 billion budget.
The council listed $315,000 as the starting salary for the city manager when it advertised the position last year. That’s the same salary Zuercher’s predecessor, David Cavazos, earned before he left the city.
“What do you think that CEO makes in the private sector? asked Councilman Daniel Valenzuela, comparing the high-profile nature of Zuercher’s job. “This is a fair contract, given the climate.”
The salary of Phoenix’s city manager has been controversial in recent years after Cavazos received a $78,000 raise in late 2012. He resigned less than a year later, but the raise boosted the pension he is drawing.
Zuercher’s salary is the same, but officials said his overall compensation will cost the city about 12.5 percent less because the package has fewer perks.