With his contract approved by Savannah City Council on Thursday, Washington D.C. Assistant City Administrator Jay Melder officially became Savannah's new city manager. Council blessed Melder's $260,000 per year salary and other contract details by a unanimous 9-0 vote.
There was no discussion on the contract.
Melder was unanimously appointed by council as city manager on July 22. He is expected to step into the role on Sept. 10. He will be the city's first permanent city manager since 2019.
Melder's yearly salary will top that of the last three city managers. Michael Brown, who most recently served in the position, made $240,00 a year and prior to Brown, Pat Monahan, who served on an interim basis, received $20,000 per month. Rob Hernandez, the last person to permanently hold the post, made $238,000 per year.
Along with his yearly salary, the contract also includes $10,000 in relocation expenses with an additional amount, not to exceed $5,000, if the verified expenses surpass $10,000.
Melder will also receive a $600 per month allowance to purchase, lease or own, operate and maintain a vehicle. He is also eligible for a pension and cost-of-living salary increases next year and merit increases in 2023.
Thursday's vote formally closes the city manager search process, which began in 2019 and included a failed attempt to choose from three finalists in 2020. Council rebooted the search earlier this year by approving a $23,500 contract with talent search firm Developmental Associates.
The firm utilized a performance assessment approach when looking at candidates. An assessment center is a process where candidates are examined to determine their suitability for specific types of employment.
Melder was named a finalist in June along with current Savannah Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd and Sheryl Long, assistant city manager of Cincinnati.
Lloyd was appointed as interim city manager following Brown's resignation on July 30. He will serve as interim until Melder begins next month.
Jay Melder employment agreement by savannahnow.com on Scribd
Katie Nussbaum is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. Contact her at knussbaum@savannahnow.com. Twitter: KmartSMN
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Council approves contract for new Savannah city manager
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