SAUGATUCK – Saugatuck’s search for a new city manager is officially over, following an approval vote on Ryan Cummins’ new employment agreement on Monday, June 10.
The deal will see Cummins receive an annual salary of $115,000, plus health, dental and life insurance and $3,000 a year in auto allowance.
If Cummins is terminated from his position without cause, the city agrees to pay him eight months of salary and benefits as severance pay, with an additional monthly salary for each full year of service in his role. Cummins would be required to give a month’s notice if he resigned.
Cummins, who previously served as interim city manager, was selected for the role in a 5-2 vote after council members interviewed three finalists.
Cummins, a Grand Haven city council member, was hired by Saugatuck in 2022 as director of planning, zoning and project management. He was named interim city manager in February after his predecessor, Ryan Heise, agreed to resign.
Heise’s resignation came a year after he received stellar performance reviews from council members.
According to city documents, he met or exceeded all expectations in all categories and was given a 10% raise. His resignation, and the circumstances under which it came to light, have been a source of controversy in Saugatuck — even resulting in yard signs from residents.
On Monday, there was a lengthy discussion about Cummins’ employment agreement, with concerns over how the pay scale was determined and a clause in the agreement that would allow for the ability to work from home.
“I think the city manager is a customer service (position) and a manager of a team,” said council member Russ Gardner. “I don’t think … working from home is appropriate for the city manager position. They should be in the office.”
Council member Holly Anderson expressed support for the wage rate.
“Salary-wise, I think $115,000 would be my floor, not my ceiling,” Anderson said.
Cummins addressed the council after the approval.
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“It’s a little surreal,” Cummins said. “Highlight of my career. … I am extremely grateful and appreciate the trust and confidence in me and look forward to working with all of you.”
Mayor Lauren Stanton said Cummins will now work to hire a new director of planning, zoning and project management.
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.
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