The Susanville City Council approved the employment contract for new Public Safety Chief Matthew McMullen during their meeting on Nov. 4. The vote ended 3-1-1, with Mayor pro tem Dawn Miller and councilmembers Patrick Parish and Gerry Hibbits voting in favor. Mayor Mendy Schuster opposed, and councilmember Curtis Bortle abstained.
Mayor Schuster expressed respect for McMullen’s qualifications but raised concerns over the financial terms of the contract. She worried that the benefits could set an expensive precedent for the city’s budget.
Acting City Manager and Finance Director Chandra Jabbs introduced McMullen, highlighting his 24 years of police leadership experience and his management of a $48 million budget. She said McMullen would start work on Dec. 2.
The contract sets McMullen’s salary at $196,960.92 per year, paid bi-weekly. He will earn 9.23 hours of vacation per pay period, with a maximum of 240 hours, plus 80 hours of management leave. The city will provide standard employee benefits and a $50,000 life insurance policy.
The city will also contribute $40 per pay period to an IRS Section 125 plan and $1,575 monthly to McMullen’s Valic 457 deferred compensation plan for his first eight years. McMullen will pay $46 monthly for health, dental, and vision insurance.
McMullen can resign with 15 days’ notice but will not receive severance if he leaves voluntarily. The city may terminate him at any time. If fired without misconduct, McMullen will receive 18 months of salary as severance.
The council’s decision moves the city forward with new leadership in public safety but raises questions about managing salary and benefits amid budget concerns. How will the city balance attracting experienced leaders with keeping costs manageable? Residents will watch closely as McMullen begins his role next month.
