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Manager, city forge open-ended deal

Crystal River's new city manager asks for - and gets - a contract with no set time, giving both sides an out.

By RAGHURAM VADAREVU
Published May 20, 2005

CRYSTAL RIVER - New City Manager Phil Deaton will earn $85,000 a year and have five weeks of vacation, the City Council decided Wednesday night. However, his contract - at his request - does not specify a minimum amount of time he will serve.

"He's proved to be worth what he's asking for," council member Jim Farley said.

Deaton had submitted a memo to the council before the meeting, outlining what he wanted on a range of issues, from compensation to the use of a city vehicle.

Before the council voted, members spoke briefly about Deaton's decision not to specify the number of years he will work for the city.

While the International City Management Association recommends a two-year contract term for a city manager, Deaton said he did not want to commit to a specified number of years because he did not know whether he could fulfill the commitment.

"Someday, someone is going to come along with a cruise to Australia, and I'll sign up," he said, jokingly.

In the memo, Deaton wrote, "I am not prepared to make that commitment. I am willing to serve as long as it is a positive experience for the city and me and does not unduly disrupt my family."

Deaton added that he would leave the position, giving the council 60 days notice, if he concluded that the job became so demanding that he could no longer spend "adequate quality time" with his wife and be with her "if her health needs would benefit from my presence."

The employment terms also call for the council to give him 60 days notice if members chose to dismiss him.

Deaton's $85,000 salary will be retroactive to March 7. He will get five weeks vacation per year, and will be compensated for any earned, but unused, vacation time when he leaves the job. Vacation time will be accrued retroactive to March 7.

Deaton also will get a sick day a month, calculated from March 7. Any unused sick time will be forfeited when he leaves the post. While he will be enrolled in the city's dental and vision care plans, Deaton will not get health insurance, an annual savings of $4,505.44.

He will get use of a city vehicle.

Council members waived the residency requirement since Deaton, whom council members had urged to enter the city manager candidate pool because of his popularity among city staffers, did not want to move from his home in Beverly Hills.

Council member John Kendall suggested that the council place another advertisement to begin a long-term city manager search, but other council members nixed the idea. They wanted to give Deaton some time to fill the vacant positions at City Hall and bring some stability.

Deaton suggested that the council seek his eventual replacement with the assistance of an executive search firm because such an organization could overcome the city's image as a dysfunctional government.

Deaton said his goal for the city is to create a well-organized, well-equipped and professional city staff and government.

Raghuram Vadarevu can be reached at rvadarevu@sptimes.com or 352 564-3627.

[Last modified May 20, 2005, 01:06:18]