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ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING CITY MANAGER JOHNNY R. FORD FIRST AMENDED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution:
1. Approving the First Amended Employment Agreement for Johnny R. Ford, City Manager for the City of Stockton.
2. Authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council, to execute the First Amended Employment Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of employment with Mr. Ford, effective August 20, 2026.
3. Authorizing City Staff to amend the City of Stockton salary schedule to reflect the increase to the City Manager’s base salary and implement the other terms and conditions in the First Amended Employment Agreement.
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Summary
The City Council is asked to consider and approve a First Amended Employment Agreement for Johnny R. Ford, City Manager for the City of Stockton.
DISCUSSION
Mr. Ford was appointed as the City Manager in Stockton on November 19, 2025, after a nationwide search. The City Council is asked to consider and approve a First Amended Employment Agreement for Mr. Ford. The proposed amendment to the employment agreement includes the following salary and benefit provisions for City Council consideration:
• Increase of current base annual salary from $325,000 to $390,277, an approximately 20% increase, to be applied retroactive to July 1, 2026.
• Employer payment of 100% of employee’s medical/dental/vision insurance.
• Increase of auto allowance from $500 to $750.
• Increase of employer contribution from 9% to 18% of employee’s base salary into a 401(a) deferred compensation retirement plan.
• An accrual rate for vacation of 12 hours per pay period and ability to sell back vacation for a total of 160 hours per year.
• A credit of 120 hours of Executive Management Leave annually.
• Increase of severance from 9 months to 12 months.
All other terms and conditions of the employment agreement would remain unchanged. The terms and conditions of the second employment agreement are similar to other city managers in comparable jurisdictions.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Sufficient funding is available in the FY 2026-27 Budget.