Live Oak reaffirms city manager contracts, formalizes pay increase to $115,000

The City Council reaffirmed contract renewals for management services with City Manager Larry Sessions and approved a resolution formalizing an earlier decision to increase his annual salary to $115,000.

For Resolution 2026-23 the council discussed that the renewal stretches back to cover the term from Jan. 9, 2025, through Jan. 9, 2026, and staff and members agreed they need a workshop to settle on a single evaluation/performance form and create calendar reminders (90 days/60 days) to avoid administrative lapses. Council members noted two different evaluation forms had been circulated previously and that the council must reach consensus on the form and schedule so future renewals and evaluations proceed consistently.

Resolution 2026-25, which documents the salary increase for City Manager Larry Sessions to an annual amount of $115,000 as required by the contract, was then considered and approved by roll-call: Alford—yes; Owen—yes; Jefferson—no; Campbell—yes. Council members said the resolution places the prior vote in the contractually required written form. Staff indicated they would reconcile minutes and records with the action.

Council also heard a short, related reading of a similar renewal resolution referencing another municipal contract text; the reading was accepted and the item approved as presented.