NLV manager gets $10,000 raise

Ed Koch and Mary Manning

Thursday, July 18, 2002 | 9:30 a.m.

The North Las Vegas City Council did not shower City Manager Kurt Fritsch with public praise during his annual review Wednesday, but a $10,000 raise and offer of a three-year contract was a good sign it wants to keep him.

After his 1 1/2-hour closed-door review, Fritsch was told by Mayor Michael Montandon to bring back to the council a three-year proposal that includes "a cost of living allowance equal to" the amount that Fritsch's high-ranking subordinates receive.

Such a guaranteed COLA would be in addition to any merit raises the council feels he earns.

There was no discussion before the 4-1 vote. Councilwoman Stephanie Smith voted against the raise without comment.

Fritsch, a former assistant city manager, was hired in 2000 at $137,500. He received a $2,500 raise after last year's review. The most recent raise brings his annual salary to $150,000.

Two years ago Fritsch replaced City Manager Pat Importuna, who had been on the job just two years and earned $135,000 when he left for a similar California post.

Also on Wednesday the North Las Vegas City Council unanimously approved an amendment to boost administrative benefits.

Brenda Johnson, assistant to the city manager, said the $26,000 increase is aimed at retaining the city manager, assistant managers and department directors. She said the increases bring North Las Vegas in line with other communities.

The measure raises the amount of vacation time that can be accrued from 280 hours to 400 hours. Before the council action, any time accrued over 280 hours was lost.

A more comprehensive physical exam was approved for the medical plan as part of the package.

Also, a long-term disability insurance benefit was added, allowing high- level employees to draw two-thirds of their salary if they are out of work for an extended period of time.