By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – In a 5 to 2 vote, the Walla Walla City Council recently approved changes to City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain’s contract, raising her 2025 salary by eight percent after her annual evaluation.
Prior to the Jan. 22 vote by the city council, Mayor Tom Scribner noted that council members reviewed Chamberlain’s self-evaluation in executive session. Chamberlain was supposed to receive a three percent cost of living adjustment each year from 2024 to 2026 but proposed an eight percent raise for 2025.
The council set her salary for 2025, which commenced on Jan. 22, at $214,689. Chamberlain’s amended contract reverts her salary increase back to a 3 percent increase next year, when her salary will be $221,130, commencing on January 1, 2026.
The dissenting council members – Mayor Tom Scribner and council member Rick Eskil – said their decision was based on budget concerns rather than performance issues.