Bloomington approves city manager raise

Posted on May 9, 2016

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council has approved a 2.3 percent pay increase for City Manager David Hales and extended his contract through July 11, 2018.

The raise, which is retroactive to Jan. 12, was based on the favorable annual review the council gave Hales. It brings his base salary to $185,190.05.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott’s interview with Hales on WJBC.

Alderman Kevin Lower was the only one to vote against the measure.

“In normal economic conditions, I probably wouldn’t have a problem with this,” said Lower. “I feel my pulse on the thumb of many of my constituents, who just don’t feel like they can afford any more.”

Hales’ original contract was set to expire Jan. 11, 2017. Alderman David Sage took time to thank Hales for his work.

“It’s hard for me to think that any fair and reasonably minded person wouldn’t agree and recognize that a contract extension was appropriate,” Sage said.

In other business Monday, the council approved a feasibility study for possible future economic incentives in the southwest part of downtown near the U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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