Concord, New Hampshire Development News

Concord City Council Approves City Manager's Satisfactory Performance Rating and Salary Increase Amidst Discussion of Compensation and Sabbatical

The City Council convened its July 13th, 2026 meeting. After approving minutes with several amendments concerning recusals and voting records, the council proceeded to evaluate the City Manager's performance. Councillor Kredovic presented a motion to assign a satisfactory rating, citing the ongoing construction of the new police station, successful budget implementation, management of capital improvement projects, recruitment efforts, strong financial management, and transparent communication as key accomplishments. Councillor Brown opposed the motion, citing concerns with financial mismanagement, specifically a $5.4 million withdrawal from capital reserves without oversight, and mismanagement of city resources such as the cutting of 255 trees from Memorial Field. The council ultimately voted 13-1 to approve the satisfactory rating. Following this, a motion was made and seconded to approve a 2.5% salary adjustment for the City Manager. Councillor Kredovic highlighted the manager's request for the minimum adjustment allowed, demonstrating leadership by prioritizing the organization over personal gain and acknowledging financial challenges. Councillor Brown voted against, detailing the City Manager's generous compensation package, including 100% health insurance premiums for himself and his spouse, the longest vacation time, and 12 months severance pay, arguing the increase was unwarranted and a 'slap in the face' to the community. Councillor Todd supported the increase, noting it was within the median salary range for city managers nationally when benefits are considered, and acknowledging the manager's 25 years of service. Councillor Schultz voted against, citing the dissonance with the financial realities faced by many residents and public servants. The motion to approve the 2.5% salary adjustment passed 10-4. Finally, the council discussed and approved a three-month sabbatical request for the City Manager, a contractual provision since 2015. Councillor Kredovic emphasized honoring the agreement and appreciating the manager's professionalism and leadership. Councillor Brown opposed, citing operational concerns and the ongoing class and compensation study. The sabbatical dates were modified from July 20th to October 18th to July 20th to August 31st. The council also heard a presentation from the NH DOT regarding a federal grant application for improvements to the Loudoun Road Bridge over the Merrimack River and authorized staff to support the proposal. Following this, the council addressed items pulled from the consent calendar, including the final status of the FY26 Event Arts Grant Award, where Councillor Caleb encouraged public participation, and a Parks and Recreation Month report, where Councillor Brown detailed the history of Russell Martin Park's acquisition. Public hearings were held for resolutions appropriating funds for traffic signal improvements related to the legislative parking garage project and for the Merrimack River Greenway Trail rail lease payment. The council also voted to disapprove item 38, which had been taken off the table as it had been funded. The meeting concluded with various councilor comments, including acknowledgments of community events, the passing of Mark Saborowski, and the successful implementation of a cooling center during extreme heat.