The City of Yuma was on the hook for paying former city manager Scott Moore more than $120,000 due to a “Reinstated Employment Agreement” entered into in January 2018.
Moore was hired in July 2016. The initial employment agreement included a clause stating “The City shall have no obligation to pay any severance to Moore upon his termination, either with or without cause, or his resignation.” It was signed by Moore and Robert J. Harper, who was then the mayor.
However, Moore and the council entered the “reinstated” agreement on January 16, 2018, again signed by Moore and Harper.
It includes several paragraphs under “Severance Pay.” It outlines how much is owed Moore if terminated by the city council within certain time frames after the most recent regular or special city council election.
If within six months, the city agreed to pay Moore 12 months base salary including the payment of all city’s health insurance and/or COBRA over said period. If it was more than 12 months after an election, by payout would be six months base salary plus the insurance stuff.
The scenario that came into play in this instance was between six to 12 months after a council election — the last one was held in April 2024, and Moore was put on unpaid leave in late October, finally reaching a resignation agreement in December. That means Moore was due nine months base salary including the payment of all city’s health insurance and/or COBRA over said period.
The reinstated agreement also included Moore being paid for any unused personal time off, which was part of the final settlement.
The Pioneer is unaware of any previous city manager, at least over the past 30-plus years, that had such an agreement.