The Corvallis City Council approved a pay increase for City Manager Mark Shepard at its October 19th meeting, as the city faces an employee strike and ongoing questions about its finances.
The 4% increase was voted on with Ward 5 Councilor Charlyn Ellis casting the only opposing vote.
The council scheduled a closed performance evaluation before Monday’s regular meeting. The city’s notice explained that executive sessions allow councilors to discuss matters privately, but any resulting decisions must be made in public.
Shepard received a 5% merit increase in December 2025, following a separate 4% cost-of-living adjustment earlier that year. At that time, his salary before the merit increase was approximately $243,000.
Monday’s decision comes five days after AFSCME Local 2975 workers began striking following unsuccessful contract negotiations.
AFSCME Local 2975 members spoke at the open comment section of the City Council meeting. Mayoral candidate Kasey Haxton and Ward 1 candidate Bre Irish also spoke during the comments section, all in support of the local union worker strike.
(Photo: mayoral candidate Kasey Haxton and Ward 1 candidate Bre Irish at the October 19th Corvallis City Council Meeting)
AFSCME Local 2975 filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the City of Corvallis on October 8th, just six days before workers began striking.
The union alleges that employee reports provided in April and July, along with reports about newly hired employees, omitted work telephone numbers and salary information required under Oregon’s public-sector labor laws.
This article was written by Jesse Grant, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
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