City Council considers hiring Public Safety Chief at $196,960.92 annual salary plus an ‘employer contribution’ of $1,575 per month into chief’s retirement account

At long last the Susanville City Council apparently seeks to approve an employment agreement with Matthew McMullen to serve as the city’s new Public Safety Chief at its Wednesday, Oct. 7 meeting.

According to the employment agreement included in the meeting’s agenda packet. McMullen will be responsible for “managing and directing the police and fire departments under the direction of the City Manager. Employee’s responsibilities as Public Safety Chief shall include acting as, and performing the duties of, the Public Safety Chief as defined in the City of Susanville Municipal Code and other applicable laws.”

According to  agreement, McMullen’s first day on the job will be Nov. 2, 2026. This is an at-will position and if McMullen terminates his employment, within 30 days the city will pay him any accrued and unpaid salary and the cash value of any vacation time.

If the city terminates McMullen’s employment for any reason (including restructuring or layoff) other than employee’s misconduct, the city shall pay McMullen a severance payment of the equivalent of 18 months of his then-current salary, with applicable payroll taxes withheld, and benefits.

Misconduct means  dishonesty, fraud, self-dealing or willful misconduct as the term is defined for purposes of California unemployment insurance, or any material breach of this agreement or city policy, committed in the performance of McMullen’s duties and responsibilities under the agreement; or McMullens violation of any laws which can be punished as a felony committed at any time. The determination of whether McMullen was terminated due to misconduct is in the city’s sole discretion, provided, however, that such determination shall be made in good faith and based on documented evidence. Upon the termination of McMullen’s employment (for misconduct), he is not entitled to any other compensation or payment.

Here’s the agenda for the meeting.