Roseburg city manager receives 5 percent raise

Roseburg city councilors praised their city manager Monday night as they discussed his yearly performance evaluation.

The council went through Eric Swanson's evaluation process in executive session earlier in the night and then discussed the matter in open session.

"We are very, very pleased with our city manager," said Mayor Larry Rich, who also reflected on separate evaluations provided by city department heads. "... Many, many positive comments were directed to Eric."

The council praised Swanson's ability to get the council to work together, his communication skills and his leadership abilities.

Swanson joined Roseburg from his position as town manager of Yankton, S.D., last March. He replaced the interim city manager, Jim Johnson, who has stayed on with the city as a consultant for various projects.

Swanson received a merit raise Monday night of 5 percent, effective Jan. 1. He, along with most other department heads, also received an annual cost of living and market raise of 4 percent last year that was effective July 2005.

Swanson was hired at $8,750 per month and will now be making $9,550 per month, or $114,600 annually. Former City Manager Randy Wetmore was making $88,680 a year when he left in January 2004.