Sequim city manager receives positive review, pay increase
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Following another positive annual review from Sequim city council, City Manager Charlie Bush will receive another pay increase effective Jan. 1, 2020.
City councilors unanimously approved a 3.5-percent increase in a 5-0 vote on Oct. 26, with councilors Bob Lake and Jennifer States excused.
The increase includes a 2-percent merit increase and a 1.5-percent cost of living increase.
Bush was hired as city manager on Aug. 17, 2015, after the retirement of Steve Burkett. His starting salary was $120,000 per year. He received other annual increases leading to his current salary of $135,712, which will go up to $140,462 with the increase, city staff said.
City councilors met with facilitator David Mercier on Oct. 26 to review Bush’s work with the city, followed by a discussion in executive session about his contract on Oct. 28.
City councilors discussed Bush’s performance towards their goals and managerial abilities.
“As expected, the overall evaluation was deemed excellent with numerous accolades for Charlie’s management of the City’s functions as well as his total commitment to the City and the community,” Mayor Dennis Smith said in a press release.
“We are indeed fortunate to have an individual such as Charlie Bush as the Sequim City Manager.”
Mercier said in a memo that city councilors appreciate Bush’s “thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, creativity, forward-thinking, collaborative leadership style, integrity, and commitment to both the city and the community.”
City councilors did identify three areas for Bush to improve:
• Taking care of himself by maintaining a healthy work/life balance
• Providing support working with staff to see the City from the citizens’ point of view by improving responsiveness and information sharing
• Improving the Department of Community Development’s ability to communicate applicable regulations and clarifying when the Council has authority to make smart land use decisions
Bush said in the press release he appreciates the feedback and support of the city council.
“(I) look forward to continuing to serve the Sequim community,” he said.
For more information about Bush and the City of Sequim, 152 W. Cedar St., visit www.sequimwa.gov or call 360-683-4139.
Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
