New Thousand Oaks City Manager Scott Mitnick received a pay increase last week after the city council approved a salary and benefits contract.

Mitnick was appointed city manager last month. He’ll now earn an annual salary of $195,135 as well as full health, retirement, life insurance, tuition reimbursement and automobile benefits.

Last May, Mitnick was named interim city manager after former city manager Phil Gatch left. Mitnick had served as assistant city manager to Gatch, earning $129,170. When he took over for Gatch, Mitnick’s salary jumped to $179,023. Gatch, who had been with the city for 38 years, was earning $211,931 when he resigned.

According to the terms of the contract, the city manager’s duties require that he have unrestricted use of a city car. He has a choice of either receiving a monthly automobile allowance from the city or giving ownership and responsibility of the car to the city. The city would pay up to $30,000 in any outstanding loan fees and then retain title of the vehicle, taking over maintenance costs. The car becomes a city vehicle for business and personal use by the city manager.

The council will evaluate Mitnick’s performance annually and determine whether or not to award him a pay increase, according to city Human Resources Director Connie Hickman.

Under the terms of the contract, if Mitnick is asked to leave, he would receive either a year’s notice or cash payment of one year’s salary.

––Sophia Fischer