Milford Council approves $195K contract for new city manager

Milford officials approved a $195,000 annual contract for their new city manager.

MILFORD, Del. - Milford officials voted Monday night, May 27, to approve a new contract for the city’s next city manager. The agreement includes a salary of $195,000 per year. City officials initially offered $180,000. The contract outlines the manager’s responsibilities, benefits and employment terms.

City officials say they began searching for a new hire after City Manager Mark Whitfield announced his retirement last October. While several candidates were interviewed, no new city manager has been chosen or named yet. Whitfield has served as Milford’s city manager since May 2020, previously working as public works director and interim city manager. The new city manager is set to begin work on Aug. 4.

Under the contract, the city manager will oversee daily operations, implement policies set by city council, and attend all council meetings. The manager is also expected to follow all city, state, and federal laws.

Key parts of the contract include:

  • Health, dental, life, and disability insurance
  • A $500 monthly vehicle allowance
  • Up to $22,500 in reimbursed moving expenses
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Retirement benefits and a 6 percent match into a deferred compensation plan
  • Annual performance evaluations
  • A city-provided laptop and smartphone for work use

If the city manager is let go without cause, they will receive six months of pay and continued benefits for that time. If the manager chooses to resign, they must give at least 90 days' notice.

City council approved the agreement during its May 27 meeting under new business.

Like Milford, Rehoboth Beach recently hired a new city manager, but their salary is much higher. In April 2024, Rehoboth approved a package that includes a $250,000 salary, $50,000 for moving expenses, and a $750,000 forgivable housing loan, well above Milford’s $195,000 contract.

Producer

Olivia Armstrong joined the CoastTV News team as a producer in August 2024. She graduated from Rowan University in New Jersey in May 2024 with a bachelors degree in communications and a minor in journalism.

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