SAFFORD — The City of Safford is one step closer to formally hiring Eric Bejarano as the city manager.
During Monday’s meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to direct the city attorney to draw up an employment contract for Bejarano, which the mayor is to sign.
City Attorney William Sims said the contract negotiated will offer the waiver of the residency requirement; however, it will include a $20,000 incentive to relocate to a home in Safford.
Salary will be $180,000 per year, with 80 hours of vacation each year. He will be assigned a city-owned vehicle rather than receive a $500 per month allowance to use his own vehicle.
The agreement also allows Bejarano to teach, train, consult or perform paid speaking engagements subject to the signing of the agreement by the mayor.
In the event Bejarano is discharged from the position, he would receive six months’ salary and six months of paid health insurance coverage as severance.
The agreement will be effective May 11, 2026, the date the council selected Bejarano for the position.
