Details of new Northville city manager's contract revealed

NORTHVILLE — The next city manager's annual salary will be $170,000, according to a contract recently approved by the city council.

Former East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas was named as the top candidate earlier this month for the same position in Northville by the city council. The council approved a contract during a special meeting Feb. 14, authorizing everything from salary to benefits.

The deal calls for several benefits as well, including a 13% deposit to the Municipal Employees' Retirement System defined contribution plan, as well as a 10% contribution to a deferred compensation plan. He also will receive a one-time relocation allowance of $15,000 to move within 20 miles of Northville and a vehicle allowance of $500 a month.

Lahanas is also eligible to enroll in a health care savings plan with a match provided by the city varying on length of service. He will receive 22 days of vacation a year.

Both health and dental insurance are waived, with Lahanas only offered vision. Instead, he will receive "the City’s standard payment in lieu of insurance provided to the City’s department heads," according to the agreement. He will be eligible for health and dental insurance beginning in 2024.

This agreement comes after Lahanas was dismissed as the East Lansing city manager earlier this year by its city council. A severance agreement between Lahanas and East Lansing show he received a year of pay at more than $172,000, plus an accrued paid time off balance payment of $46,035, which is normal practice under the city’s personnel policies,and health and dental insurance for up to five years after his departure.

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Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull said they were happy to secure Lahanas as the city's next manager, moving quickly to make an offer and extend a contract. Work on a contract began as soon as Lahanas was named the top candidate, something Turnbull credited in securing his employment with the city, especially since two other communities planned to interview Lahanas for positions.

"We started things going on that Monday night," he said. "Because of that, we're in front of the curve."

Lahanas is expected to begin with the city March 6.

Contact reporter David Veselenak at dveselenak@hometownlife.com or 734-678-6728. Follow him on Twitter @davidveselenak.

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