Sean C. Morgan
The Sweet Home City Council gave City Manager Ray Towry a positive evaluation in a process that ended last week.
The council met in an executive session, which is closed to the public, to discuss the evaluation before entering a special session Dec. 18 to approve the evaluation. The council also voted to approve a salary step increase of 3 percent, from $8,887 per month to $9,155.
“Overall, we think the performance of the city manager is over and above our expectations,” said Mayor Greg Mahler after entering the public special session. He urged Towry to keep up the good work.
Towry asked the council if it would approve the step increase, which is the normal procedure for other city employees receiving an evaluation above “satisfactory.”
Present and approving the evaluation and raise were Lisa Gourley, Mahler, Dave Trask and Diane Gerson. Bob Briana, Susan Coleman and James Goble were absent, but attended previous executive sessions during the evaluation process.
The council’s scores averaged 4, “exceeds job standard,” on a scale of 1 to 5. One councilor rated him at 5, “outstanding,” overall. One councilor rated him at 3, “meets job standard,” overall.
The evaluation summary included a comment: “Under Ray’s leadership, an efficient and responsible governmental team has been established. Staff has been ‘brought along’ to embrace council goals, recognizes their role in the process and their accountability.
“No council could ask more of a city manager. Although these leadership skills were not evident in the beginning, Ray has also grown in the role, taking advantage of learning from others, not being worried about asking for advice and listening to the pulse of the community.
“We will see even greater things in the future as we move forward.”
In each of four areas, Towry scored an average rating of more than 4. In three subcategories, the council rated him between 3.57 and 4. In six subcategories, he scored an average of 4.14.
On his relationship with the City Council, one councilor said he works hard to keep the council informed, on the right track and aware of pitfalls, challenges and success. Revamping policies has been slow for that councilor’s taste. Those are a work in progress because so many current policies cannot be implemented effectively, that person noted.
Another councilor said that with staffing limitations that faced the city, the city manager is doing an excellent job implementing policies and programs the council has approved.
“Just as we have seen the Public Works Department come together and work well as a cohesive unit, making marked improvements to water, parks and streets, I believe we will see that same growth in the Community and Economic Development Department in the next season.”
Councilors praised his open door and consistent review and establishment of long-range goals.
Related to his job description, one councilor said it is difficult to determine if Towry follows established city policies at all times because the councilor cannot observe the city manager. As a result the councilor rated him at a 3.
“Due to the good character he displays in challenging council meetings, his patience, steadiness and self-control, I would expect these qualities are visible in his other encounters, with citizens and employees,” that councilor said.
“The administration is going quite well,” another said. “It is obvious in the interactions of city employees in City Hall, the obvious camaraderie in Public Works employees, the department heads getting along well and working as a team.”
Towry is consistently suggesting methods of governance, programs and policies to ensure the management of the city is effective, said another comment.
His lowest average score, 3.57, was in evaluation based on council goals.
Councilor comments noted that infrastructure issues are being addressed, and Towry’s style frees up intelligent staff members to move ahead creatively. The city manager continues to build collaborations to harness energy better within the community, and finances look like they are in good shape.
“As with everything in life, we must maintain diligence to continue this path,” said one councilor. “Ray understands this and has done an amazing job of building a team, nurturing it and moving ahead, a real strength.”
In evaluating the city manager’s self-evaluation, a councilor said, “There are many challenges in this job. Ray recognizes he cannot meet them all, at least not all at the same time. He has set priorities in line with council goals and consistently works to improve those areas. Progress can be slow but is happening under his leadership.”