Fort Scott City manager receives extension on contract

Fort Scott City Commissioners elected Tuesday to show support for City Manager Dave Martin with a pay increase and contract extension.

Following a 10-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, commissioners returned to open session during their regular meeting and voted unanimously to increase Martin's salary by $10,000, to $101,290 annually.

Commissioners have been completing Martin's annual performance evaluation.

The vote came from commissioners Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Sam Mason and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell, as commissioners Randy Nichols and Jim Adams were not present for the meeting.

"I think you've done a fantastic job multitasking and shown a lot of hard work and dedication," Mitchell said.

"I think it says a lot about character," Bartelsmeyer said. "He is always treating everyone with dignity and respect. And look at how much the city has prospered since he became city manager."

Martin, who has been city manager since 2010, said he "couldn't do it without a good staff and good people."

"I work with an excellent staff and citizens with a passion for Fort Scott," Martin said.

Mason said he has worked with Martin for several years.

"I think he was a good man then and he's a good man today," Mason said. "He may not know the answer but he will find the answers and help everybody. In my opinion, he's underpaid. We're compensating him for what he does for Fort Scott. He has a good staff around him. I feel he's done a wonderful job."

City officials said Martin's new contract, which will run to 2021, is not complete as it is being drawn up and reviewed by City Attorney Bob Farmer.

According to the motion approved by commissioners, Martin's benefits will remain the same as in his current three-year contract.

In 2015, commissioners voted to bump Martin's annual base salary from $89,500 to $91,290 and extend the term of his contract to 2020. Each year, commissioners evaluate the terms of Martin's contract, his job performance and discuss compensation.

Other business

* Commissioners recognized Director of Economic Development Heather Smith, who is leaving her position Sept. 30 to pursue another opportunity. Smith, who has served in that position since 2013, spoke briefly to the commission.

"It's not an easy thing to leave this community," she said.

Smith highlighted some of the progress that has been made in the city in recent years.

"You're going to be missed," Mason said.

"You will be greatly missed," Mitchell said. "Thank you for everything you've done for Fort Scott."

Martin said he is currently "evaluating and interviewing" candidates for the position.

"She will be missed," he said. "Heather is well respected in the community."

* In his report to the commission, Martin said he is concerned about the Tribune's recent decision to begin publishing two days a week beginning Oct. 1.

"This is not good," he said. "I don't know what we can do, but we will try to address it."

* The commission approved appointment of Martha Scott to the Fort Scott Library Board.