By Mark Wineka

Salisbury Post

Salisbury City Manager David Treme has received a 4 percent pay hike.

Salisbury City Council approved the increase after a closed session Tuesday for its annual evaluation of Treme’s performance.

Treme’s annual pay increases from $129,184.95 to $134,352.35.

Councilman Bill Burgin said members were unanimous in believing that Salisbury has an excellent city manager leading the city in the right direction.

Mayor Pro Tem Paul Woodson said Treme keeps the council well-informed and has managed the city into a position poised for growth and progress.

Mayor Susan Kluttz also credited Treme with having an excellent management group and promoting a team effort throughout the city.

Treme is one of the higher-paid public officials in Rowan County. County Manager Bill Cowan’s base salary is $151,500. Dr. Judy Grissom, superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools, has an annual salary of $137,000.

Treme has received increases ranging from 3.25 percent to 4 percent each year since 2002, when his base salary rose to $115,959.

In 2004, he received a 3 percent salary increase and saw his car allowance rise from $350 to $500 a month. Council also agreed in 2004 to give Treme six months severance pay if it ever cuts ties with him.

Treme’s had a 4 percent salary increase in December 2005, too.

The city manager usually has his annual evaluation in December, but it was delayed this time.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263, or mwineka @salisburypost.com.