Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
December 7, 2016 4:04 p.m.
Fernandina Beach City Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a 3 percent pay raise for City Manager Dale L. Martin following completion of his first year on the job. The FBCC authorized the same pay raise for their other two Charter Officers—City Attorney Tammi Bach and City Clerk Caroline Best—at a previous meeting this fall.
Vice Mayor Len Kreger was the only commissioner not to support the motion made by Commissioner Tim Poynter and seconded by Commissioner John Miller. Kreger acknowledged that during his earlier evaluation he found that Martin met all the requirements and exceeded in the area of ethics. However, he felt that he had not seen “sufficient things happening yet based on commission goals” to support an increase at this time. “Don’t mistake this for a lack of confidence,” he stressed. “And I’ve discussed this with the City Manager.”
Poynter said that he believed that during the past year there had been many opportunities to test the city manager’s ability. He credited the city manager’s leadership in the city’s rapid recovery from Hurricane Matthew. “I think it’s appropriate now to send the message that we appreciate what he’s done, that he reaches out to the community, something we’ve sorely lacked in the past, and his Weekly Column that gets sent to the media.”
Poynter originally moved a 4 percent raise, but following a question from Commissioner Roy Smith, City Manager Martin clarified that the other Charter Officers had received a 3 percent raise. Poynter and Miller amended their motion and second to reflect the lower amount.
Mayor Lentz told Martin, “I really appreciate the job you do, and I will be voting in support of this. We still have things to accomplish, but we are getting stuff done. I appreciate you keeping your word about communicating with the community with your Weekly Column. I get so many compliments on that; people really enjoy it.”
Before the vote, Martin was recognized to speak. “I truly appreciate the support,” he said. “Commissioner Kreger and I did have a discussion, and I did not take that as a lack of confidence. From a personal standpoint, this last year has been a wonderfully rewarding experience. You have no idea how effective the five of you can be—the way you treat each other, the way you carry on your dialog … It’s a joy to work with you, with all of the staff, and I look forward to ‘getting the things done.’”
The FBCC voted 4-1 to support the 3 percent pay raise.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
Much deserved!