AUBURN - Mark Palesh will be Auburn's city manager at least through Aug. 28, 2011, according to a contract extension approved by the city council.

Councilors passed the extension by a 4-1 vote during its Thursday meeting, with Thomas McNabb casting the dissenting vote. The extension adds 18 months to Palesh's initial, three-year contract with the city.

The new contract also gives him a slightly larger annual raise than he received under his initial contract, increasing it from 2.5 to 3 percent. The original contract was set to expire Feb. 20, 2010.

Councilor William Graney said it was important to establish consistency within the manager's office. The city does not need to be looking for a new manager this time next year, especially with uncertain economic times coming, Graney said during the meeting.

Mayor Michael Quill agreed, noting that he worked under five managers during his 11-year tenure as fire chief.

“By the time we found out their strengths and weaknesses, it was time to find a new city manager,” Quill said.

Councilor Matthew Smith said past administrator contracts have included 5 percent annual raises and higher salaries. According to the 2008-2009 budget, the city manager's annual salary is $111,623.

“This is a very taxpayer-friendly contract,” Smith said.

Palesh said after the meeting that the contract was a “big compromise,” but the council needs to see some consistency. The new contract runs out on his own birthday, Palesh added.

“I feel really good about it,” Palesh said.

In other news:

#&149; Welch Allyn will pay the city to dump no more than 650 tons in the municipal landfill through 2013. According to the resolution passed unanimously by council, the medical diagnostic equipment manufacturer will pay $35 per ton for the first year and the rate will gradually climb to $40.54 per ton for the final year.

The agreement also prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste, Palesh told the council.

#&149; The city will use the remainder of a $42,000 state grant to finish various repair projects at Falcon Park.

A portion of the grant, which was announced this season during a game by state Senator Michael Nozzolio, has already been used to purchase a new field tarp and fund drainage repairs.

The rest of the money will be spent on fencing, downspouts on three buildings and field improvements in the tent area, according to the proposal.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.