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NEGAUNEE -- Nate Heffron will stay Negaunee's city manager for another six years.
At a special meeting on Tuesday, the Negaunee City Council voted 4-1, with two members absent, to extend Heffron's contract for another six years.
Heffron will continue his role as city manager until 2030 and receive a salary raise from $85,000 to $105,000 per year.
Councilor Toby Smith made the motion to approve the city manager's contract with two changes. Rather than having a defined benefit plan, Smith made a motion to allow Heffron to be enrolled in a defined contribution plan with a 10% city match.
His second requested change was to reduce Heffron's salary from the requested $108,000 to $105,000. Smith said after comparing contracts with Heffron and Ishpeming City Manager Craig Cugini, this would put the two on "equal playing fields."
"We knew at the time we were bringing him (Heffron) in at a discount," Smith said. "And I think over the past six years, he's proven himself to be a very proficient manager for the city of Negaunee and I'd like to see his employment continue and his efforts be recognized."
Councilor Anthony Stagliano seconded Smith's motion. Stagliano said the term of the extension is "appropriate."
"Mr. Heffron, I believe, in my opinion is the best thing that has happened in Negaunee since iron ore. I think what we ought to do is make sure that we let him continue his process that he's started," Stagliano said. "He's inherited a town that was in despair and this isn't a switch that you just throw overnight. I believe in Mr. Heffron and believe that he is worthy of us to trust him for an extension of this (length) to fully develop what his vision for us (is)."
Councilor Matt Howard was the only one against the renewal. He said the contract renewal is "one big ankle grab."
"I think it's ridiculous that we're even considering this (contract renewal). And why are we talking about what happens in Ishpeming or Marquette, other than to say that might be a nice place for you to apply to?" Howard said. "You came here knowing our budget was low and you should just live with that, that's part of Negaunee. We don't want a bunch of city folks coming here. We want it to be quiet, we like it that way."
Mayor Dave Kangas said he thinks Heffron has done a "great job" in Negaunee. Kangas, who moved to Negaunee in 2006, said the city was "not in good shape" when he first arrived.
"He (Heffron) came here in 2018 and he's made a bunch of improvements to the city. Granted, yes, he has not done it all on his own. He has done it with working with city employees, city department heads, different boards and commissions and city council," Kangas said. "Everyone working together is helping the city move forward. It's not just one person."
After the meeting, Heffron said he is "ecstatic" to be continuing his work as city manager.
"I love this community, I love the Upper Peninsula a lot and I want to be able to stay here and do what I can to help improve the community I live in, and tonight our council has decided that," Heffron said.
Councilors Dana LaLonde and Eddy Karki were absent and excused from Tuesday's meeting.