By Sara Beth Williams–
The City Council last week approved a motion to provide City Manager Ash Feeney with a one-time, $20,000 payment.
The motion was unanimously approved. and no council members spoke publicly during the council meeting regarding the motion. According to the city, all council members previously held an annual review of Feeney’s performance during a closed session before the March 14 council meeting.
“In light of the Council’s positive evaluation of Mr. Feeney [on March 14], the Council is considering a one-time payment to the City Manager in the amount of $20,000,” the city stated, adding that the city does not provide cost of living allowances or built in annual raises for its city manager, per an existing employment contract. The $20,000 payment was non-PERSable, according to Attorney Ryan Jones, with law firm Jones & Mayer. Jones serves as City Attorney for Citrus Heights.
“Non-PERSable” refers to income or compensation that is not eligible for inclusion in the calculation of benefits under the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), according to CalPERS’ website.
In some contexts, particularly in government employment, certain income may not be considered as part of an employee’s pensionable earnings for retirement benefits. This could include overtime pay, bonuses, or other forms of compensation.
Feeney began as the Citrus Heights City Manager on January 30, 2022. According t0 his LinkedIn profile, previously Feeney was employed as Vice President of Community Development and then later Assistant City Manager and Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Davis. Feeney also worked for the city of Sacramento for nearly three years and for The New Home Company for six and a half years.
Funds are available within the budget according to the city, and the one-time payment will be issued by the Administrative Services Department. The council also approved a $12,000 payment to Feeney following a performance evaluation last year. Details about the performance reviews have not been disclosed, but Feeney has been praised by the council for working to beautify the city, returning the city to a debt-free status, and building up budget reserves.
