Holbrook City Manager Ray Alley received high marks from the city council March 24.
Alley elected to hold the review in public rather than in executive session, noting that he is satisfied with his current contract and is not seeking a salary increase. He told the council that he was hired five years ago at an annual rate of $91,000, and believes that his salary should remain the same and any potential increases should be offered to other city staff members. Alley also receives 80 gallons of fuel per month, which he noted that he uses in a personal vehicle for city business, and will continue to receive health insurance benefits after he leaves the position at a rate of one month for every month he works for the city.
Council members completed written evaluation forms prior to the meeting, using a numerical system to rate their satisfaction with his performance. In the compiled results, Alley received marks indicating that he met or exceeded expectations in managing personnel, financial resources, city operations and information, as well as council relations, professional conduct, leadership, judgment, open-mindedness and planning. The only area in which Alley received lower scores was in being accessible to the public, participating in community activities and updating the city’s general plan.
“I am who I am and you get who you get,” he told the council.
Alley’s highest marks were for leadership and managing financial resources.
Councilman Bobby Tyler noted that he is pleased with Alley’s work and is especially impressed that he takes the time to teach staff members new skills.
“He’s not just out there working, he’s teaching and cross-training,” Tyler said. “You just don’t know how valuable it is to have employees who can do multiple things. That’s invaluable.”
Mayor Jeff Hill also praised Alley’s performance, noting, “You get nothing but the highest rankings from me. You do what the council asks and you stay within budget.”
Hill also said that although he was doubtful at first, Alley has earned his trust.
Councilman Myron Maxwell also noted that he trusts Alley to run city operations.
“I feel I can trust you, and that comes from the community,” he said. “Even if someone doesn’t agree with your decision, they say that you treated them fairly.”
Councilman Richard Peterson noted that he is pleased with the progress Alley has made on city projects.
“He makes plans and he takes action on them,” he said. “This has been a good year for the city.”
Vice Mayor Charles Haussman noted he is satisfied with Alley’s work, but that he does not believe the evaluation process is authentic because it does not measure identified goals.
“I sometimes think there is confusion about what the council expects and we don’t always clarify what we want,” he said. “We need something so that we can identify and celebrate accomplishments.”
Councilman Wade Carlisle was absent from the proceedings due to work.
