The Waycross City Commission tripled the term of City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford’s contract during its bi-monthly meeting last week.
Rayford, who worked on a one-year contract in each of his first two years with the city, will now operate on a three-year deal which will be effective Friday, February 7.
The commission’s approval of the resolution on the new contract came in a 3-1 vote Tuesday, January 21 in the session at City Hall. Commissioners Shawn Roberts, Sheinita Bennett and Alvin Nelson voted for the resolution while Katrena Felder was against. Diane Hopkins was absent.
The new pact for Rayford keeps his salary at $110,000 annually, but includes an increase in his monthly vehicle allowance from $225 to $500. The threeyear term also gives him added job security.
Rayford can still be dismissed with or without cause, but should the commission decide to terminate his contract without cause, he would be entitled to compensation for the balance of time left.
Previously, that could be as little as a few months. The new deal could involve years, depending on the timing of the decision.
Both sides are required to give a 60-day notice for any impending departure.
Rayford offered multiple reasons for seeking a longer contract. One reason involved speculation some commissioners, Felder among them, preferred his termination rather than a contract renewal last fall.
He addressed that during the planning and information session preceding the business meeting. Both he and Felder were candid about the situation.
“I looked at being released last year in November and I couldn't understand that it was tangible,” Rayford said.
Felder said she recalled “you submitted in an email your resignation.”
Rayford said talk of his possible termination were difficult on the workforce.
“I apologize if I’ve offended you in any way,” he said. “I just want to start fresh.”
Felder said she appreciated the “extension of an olive branch. I’ve extended many myself.”
Although having an extensive operational background of large military installations as a Command Sgt. Major in the Army, Waycross was Rayford’s introduction to municipality management.
His rank was just two steps from being the Army’s highest non-commissioned officer.
Rayford said his experience dealing with the city’s issues to this point, as well as what the commission may face when a successor is needed, brought the request for the longer contract. He said he’s been trying to fix issues that often date back decades.
“And I’ve added things to the pile,” Rayford said. “He or she will need the three years to do the work.”
For now, however, Rayford said working for the city and its citizens is one he loves.
“I do think we’re going in the right direction,” he said. “We’ve been effective in our communication and our branding is definitely better. We’re staying in line with the charter.”
