Interim City Manager Gets Raise With Title

Without discussion, the City Council on Tuesday gave interim City Manager MaryJane V. Lazz a raise to go along with her new job title.

The council last week chose Lazz to fill in for retiring Grant Brimhall while a permanent successor is sought.

The raise, granted on a 5-0 vote, bumped Lazz’s salary up 5%--from $9,703 a month to $10,188--while the council hunts for a new top administrator. Lazz is still considering the permanent job.

In authorizing a contract with Lazz, the council also gave Lazz a monthly $400 car allowance.

The length of Lazz’s contract is not specified. The council bosses hope to pick a search firm next month, but has not set a schedule for the appointment.

Council members disagree on whether the new city manager should be hired before or after the November election--when three council seats will be up for grabs.

Lazz’s new contract states that she will serve as long as the council wishes. If the contract is terminated, Lazz would be entitled to four months’ pay or her previous job.