Earlier this week, the city council voted 10-1 in favor of extending City Manager Jay Ash’s contract. Councillor Kathleen Bishop cast the sole dissenting vote on the measure. Following this approval, City Manager Ash and Council President Leo Robinson have moved forward with negotiations on a contract extension.
According to the city charter, the extension process allows for terms ranging from one to five years. While Ash has not publicly committed to accepting an extension, indications suggest he is interested in continuing for another term. The manager currently earns $145,000 annually, compared to $171,000 for the city manager in Arlington, a city of similar size to Chelsea.
Negotiations between Ash and Council President Robinson are currently in progress.