In less than 24 hours, Claremont may have a new city manager. A contract with current Assistant City Manager Tony Ramos will be reviewed in a special open session of the Claremont City Council Wednesday evening.

If approved, Mr. Ramos will make $198,000, according to the proposed contract recommended at yesterday’s special meeting of the city council. Mr. Ramos will receive an additional $1000 a month in deferred compensation plus an additional $1194 monthly to be used for medical benefits. Fifty percent of the medical benefits that remain unused will be placed in Mr. Ramos’ deferred compensation plan. Mr. Ramos’ total for salary and benefits on the proposed contract is $224,328 annually, up from his current salary of $176,806 as assistant city manager.

He will contribute his 8 percent Public Employment Retirement System (PERS) contribution and will receive cost of living adjustments similar to other employee groups. Mr. Ramos will also receive a vehicle with maintenance and insurance covered by the city.

The contract claims a proposed $26,630 in savings compared to the current city manager contract. Mr. Parker now earns an estimated $211,554  a year, according to employee salaries provided by City Clerk Lynne Fryman dated August 18, 2011.

In October of 2005, Mr. Parker was selected as city manager from about 60 applicants. The city began the search with an outside recruiting company the previous June. According to his original 3-year contract, Mr. Parker made a yearly salary of $175,000 with $13,000 a year toward his deferred compensation plan.

Claremont City Council will vote on approving the contract at a special meeting to be held Wednesday. Those wishing to participate in public comment should arrive promptly at 6:30 p.m. To view the agenda visit www.ci.claremont.ca.us. 

—Beth Hartnett