The City Council approved details for a contract to be negotiated with Jim Hurm for the position of city administrator.

The contract specifies wage increases throughout Hurm's first year. This was done so that, in the event of a wage freeze, he would still be eligible for pay increases. The law states that contracts must be honored if they were made before a freeze takes place.

The contract gives Hurm $82,500 per year starting April 28. Six months later, there will be a performance evaluation, after which his salary will go to $85,000. At 12 months, another evaluation will take place, and his salary will be adjusted to $87,500.

The position was advertised with a pay scale of $80,000 to $94,000.

Mickey Jorgenson, 1st Ward council member, said Hurm deserved to be at the middle of the pay scale because he has a Ph.D and 25 years of experience. The requirements to apply were a master's degree and seven-year's experience.

"We're bringing someone in who's way more qualified," Jorgenson said.

Hurm asked that a few details be considered by the council. Council members were surprised to see that two of the details would be more beneficial to the city than to Hurm.

Hurm asked that if he can get health insurance through his wife, he would like to have a portion of the money the city would have paid for insurance put into a flexible benefit program, which can be used for other types insurance.

One-fourth of his yearly payments, or $2,800, was proposed, which would end up saving the city $8,400 a year.

Third Ward Council Member Tracey Chamberlain asked if a similar plan could be offered as an option to all city employees.

"If, in fact, we're going to open that door, we should open that door for everyone," Chamberlain said.

Director of Administrative Services Tom Dankert said a collective bargaining agreement would have to be renegotiated if it was to apply to all city employees.

Hurm also asked for a reduction in his sick leave. After leaving for any reason other than resignation, accumulated sick leave would have been paid to Hurm at his regular wage. Hurm requested, upon leaving, one-half of accumulated sick leave not to exceed 30 days.

Finally, Hurm requested permission to teach classes during off hours. If he were offered an opportunity to teach, he would still need to gain the approval of the council.

The council approved all of Hurm's requests. The details will now be taken to Hurm to see if further negotiation is necessary.

City Attorney David Hoversten said if Hurm asked for the council to take action, it might be good to call a special meeting.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com