Pay hike OK’d for city manager

Thursday, May 19, 2005 | 9:57 a.m.

The North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday approved a 7 percent pay hike for City Manager Gregory Rose.

Rose's salary will increase from $153,000 a year to $163,710 a year. That puts him $100 a year less than Las Vegas City Manager Doug Selby but well below the just under $200,000 a year Henderson City Manager Phil Speight is paid, according to North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon.

"Gregory has literally exceeded our expectations," Montandon said. "His professionalism has been above reproach in every area. I don't think you could replace him with respect to other city managers in town and get the same performance."

Rose started with the city as assistant city manager in February 2001. He was elevated to acting city manager in July 2003 and permanent city manager in October 2003. He replace Kurt Fritsch who was fired.

Rose's salary stood at $129,375 in 2003.

The pay hike has come under fire from mayoral candidate Andres Ramirez who said Rose should be getting increases of around 3 percent as some other employees will receive.

North Las Vegas Councilwoman Stephanie Smith said the pay hike of 7 percent was justified based on Rose's performance that far exceeded expectations. The raises other employees get are based on contracts and the council has the discretion to set what Rose will make.

"We think the world of Gregory, and he is doing a fantastic job with the city," Smith said. "We appreciate the way he carries out our directives. He has a great approach to running the city."

Smith said the council looked at the marketplace and the city needs to pay Rose well before "someone scoops him away." She said the pay raise was conservative and pays for itself.

"We want to make sure we don't lose him because it will end up costing us more," Smith said.