Local News
Gun Barrel City council extends City Manager’s contract
GUN BARREL CITY —
City Manager Gerry Boren loves Gun Barrel City so much, he has the city’s logo tattooed to his shoulder.
The city council loves Boren too, as was evidenced at its Nov. 8 meeting.
After going into executive session for about 15 minutes, the council returned to give Boren a new three-year contract to manage the city — at the council’s discretion, of course.
The council, in essence said, as far as they were concerned Boren could have $88,954 a year to do his job.
“I’m just excited they’re extending my contract for three more years,” Boren said.
“I’m glad I’m here,” he said. “There’s a big vision for Gun Barrel City, and over next five years more commerce and more roads will be built.
Gun Barrel is going to be a place on the map.”
The council did add one amendment to his contract, which Boren said is standard in most city manager contracts. It says:
“I can’t buy land and enter into a business venture without council approval,” Boren said.
If Boren’s contract seems high, it’s fairly modest when compared with nearby cities.
In Athens it’s $93,240; Ennis $140,000, Midlothian $123,00, Sacshe, $105,000.
Nearby Crandall is lower, however, at $74,000.
Boren also gets use of a Ford Expedition, as well, and benefits commiserate with other city employees.
In addition to the new three-year contract, Boren received a 3 percent raise for the next fiscal year.
Boren still had a year to go on his old contract ($86,205) with the city, meaning he’s got some job security for the next four years.
During that time, he’ll earn at least $355,186 over the life of the two contracts.
He has stipulated that any raises that might be forthcoming are in line with those being given to other city employees.
The City gives raises based on merit.
Boren came to the city two years ago and much of the animosity of recent years has disappeared on the city council.
Whether Boren should get any credit for that is subject for debate, but he is known for working well with staff and communicating with a low-key but ambitious style .
In other business at that council meeting, Gun Barrel City received a $155,000 Forestry Grant from the state as part of a matching grant with GBC.
The Fire Department tanker will cost the city about $200,000 once the truck is ready to go.
The city had encumbered $1450,000 already toward the purchase of the rig.
The balance of those monies will remain in reserve, and basically, the city will be out about $35,000 of that money to complete the truck.
The rest goes into city reserves, but is not earmarked.
Finally, the City got a $3,000 award from the Texas Department of Agriculture for being one of the hardest working communities, Boren said.
The city used the money to buy flags.
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