Evans excited for ‘amazing’ opportunity to lead Maricopa

Maricopa City Council approved a three-year contract Tuesday for its new city manager, Kevin Evans. The employment agreement was approved unanimously by the six council members and without discussion.

Evans has more than 30 years of experience in city government and is currently city manger in Hunstville, Texas (see “Huntsville, Texas, city manager likely to be offered Maricopa job“).

“I’ve been interested in Arizona in general for quite some time,” Evans said. “Maricopa provides an opportunity so amazing it’s hard to comprehend it.”

Evans, who was among the final four candidates for Goodyear’s city manager post, said “Maricopa is a much better fit for me and my management style.”

Evans describes his management style as “fairly laid back, very pragmatic.” He said he “knows how to get down to business when it’s time to get down to business” and how to have fun in the process.

Evans told inmaricopa.com before the Council’s vote that Maricopa is “an opportunity you don’t get to see all that often in this business.”

“I’m very excited about the opportunity this represents.”

Three-year employment agreement approved
Evans’ contract is for three years and commences Jan. 21 (click to read Employment Agreement). It calls for a base salary of $156,950 in the first year plus $5,000 in deferred compensation and a $400 monthly auto allowance. Evans will also receive a $25,000 term life insurance policy, 18 days of vacation plus one floating holiday per year in addition to the standard paid holidays city employees receive.

On the first day of his employment, Evans will receive 14 days of sick pay and 14 days of vacation pay available for immediate use.

A severance package of up to 12 months salary plus accrued vacation and sick time has also been agreed to. Evans would also receive full health and life insurance benefits for “a minimum period of 12 months following termination.”

The city will pay for Evans to relocate to Maricopa and provide a $2,000 per month housing allowance for up to six months.

“I’m very happy with it,” Evans told inmaricopa.com Tuesday before the contract was approved.

Judging by the discussion-less 6-0 vote, it seems the Maricopa City Council is too.

Photo courtesy of HuntsvilleTX.gov