After his evaluation, Steven Stanton may get a 3 percent raise - less than he got last year.
By SHANNON TAN
Published August 19, 2004
LARGO - City Manager Steven Stanton is expected to receive a raise of about 3 percent after receiving favorable marks on his annual evaluation.
Mayor Bob Jackson said he will recommend a raise "in the neighborhood of 3 percent." Commissioners will discuss at an upcoming work session whether to increase Stanton's current salary of $120,244.
Stanton, who got a 5 percent raise last year, received an overall rating of "good" on his annual evaluation.
Although Stanton is "worth considerably more," Jackson said, the city cannot continue to dole out larger raises unless taxes are increased as well.
"We can't continue to give the raises we've been giving in the past," Jackson said.
Stanton received "good" and "excellent" ratings on all nine categories from Commissioners Gay Gentry, Pat Burke, Pat Gerard and Jackson.
"I cannot overemphasize his tremendous skills in written communication, his work ethic, his willingness to explain complicated issues and, most of all," wrote Gentry, "his desire for excellence in himself and his staff."
Commissioner Pat Burke wrote that Stanton's communication skills have "brought the annexation issue to where it is today. Largo has much to thank his leadership for."
Commissioner Charlie Harper, however, was critical of Stanton.
The downside of having a longtime city manager is that the city does not get fresh ideas and concepts, he wrote. Stanton is in his 12th year as Largo's city manager.
Harper added that he was concerned with a lack of new direction on annexation issues, business growth and citywide economic development.
"As Largo continues its transition move from being just one of the other cities in the country, to one of significance and regional importance, the City Manager will play a pivotal role," Harper wrote. "Will the city manager be Steve Stanton is the question?"
