by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
City Council voted to increase City Manager Dana Souza’s annual base salary by 8 percent, or to $236,779, retroactive to November 15, 2023.
“You see just a fraction of what this man does,” said Councilmember Holly Smith. “Where we are today is because of his leadership.”
Council members said that Souza had expressed a desire not to have his salary increased more than 5 percent in keeping with increases given to city staff.
Said Mayor Richard Johnson, “I’m not going to allow him to impose that limitation on us. I think when we look at the performance of our City Manager and the success we have enjoyed as a community and will continue to enjoy, I don’t know that 5 percent will cut it. I can’t imagine where we would be had it not been for this City Manager.”
“From the beginning, I thought he was great,” said Councilmember Arlene Dillon. “Going through Ian, this man was calm and measured and made me feel confident. I’ve never heard one negative thing about Dana Souza.”
City Council performs a complete annual performance evaluation of the city manager. Souza began employment with the City November 15, 2021. Previously, his annual base salary was increased 8 percent retroactive to November 15, 2022.
Souza’s annual salary falls between that of other city managers, with the City Manager of Bonita Springs earning $205,000; Marco Island $210,081; Fort Myers $256,329; Naples $283,500; and Cape Coral $285,000.
Dana Souza truly deserves every penny and more.