By Robert Barron, Staff Writer
Enid city commissioners renewed the contract of City Manager Eric Benson Tuesday night and gave him a 3.5 percent salary increase.
The 3.5 percent increase is the same amount given to all city employees.
The increase boosted Benson’s salary to $113,600 annually. He also will receive a bonus of $6,400 effective at the end of his current contract in January, but the city will not pay any cell phone expenses, as it did in his last contract, which allowed him $100 per month.
The vote was unanimous, said Mayor John Criner.
The commission met in executive session for about an hour following the regular portion of the meeting, then returned and approved Benson’s contract. The contract expires Jan. 19, 2011. His previous salary was $109,457. He accrues sick leave and other benefits, other than vacation, in the same manner as other employees.
Benson indicated to City Attorney Andrea Chism he would accept the contract. Benson will begin his fourth year as city manager in January.
