Stockton dismisses city manager consultant officials look to clarify facts of agreement

Stockton officials confirmed the termination of Lathrop City Manager Stephen J. Salvatore's consulting contract, aimed at assisting interim City Manager Steve Colangelo. The contract, valued at almost $100,000, faced criticism for lack of council approval and funding through unspent diversity budget allocations. Salvatore received $11,000 monthly for two months, despite only working about ten days in February, which raised questions about the arrangement's legitimacy. The city asserted that Salvatore's guidance was no longer necessary as operations began to stabilize, and Salvatore voluntarily waived a portion of his compensation.

Critics highlighted concerns about appointing a city manager who needed to demonstrate competency after being hired. Colangelo defended the contract's cost, stating similar expertise typically commands higher fees. Salvatore expressed pride in supporting Colangelo but acknowledged the need for a different consulting structure moving forward. The controversy surrounding the contract has drawn significant media attention and raised questions about governance practices in Stockton.