-Editorial
The city of Brawley has selected Adriana Amezcua as its finance director under a proposed three-year employment agreement that would provide an initial annual salary of $143,000, with potential increases bringing her compensation to $157,657.50 by 2028.
The agreement was presented to the Brawley City Council for consideration on Oct. 20. It would take effect Oct. 29 and continue through Oct. 29, 2029, unless terminated earlier.
City Manager Rebecca Terrazas-Baxter selected Amezcua following an open recruitment process that included multiple rounds of interviews.
According to a staff report prepared by Emmet Fried, assistant to the city manager, the agreement establishes compensation, benefits, performance expectations, and administrative responsibilities for the position.
Under the proposed contract, Amezcua would receive $143,000 during her first year. Her salary would increase by 5% to $150,150 in October 2027, contingent upon a satisfactory annual performance evaluation.
A second 5% merit increase would raise her salary to $157,657.50 in October 2028, subject to another satisfactory review.
The city manager would conduct annual evaluations based on the finance director’s job responsibilities and an approved work plan.
The agreement also provides medical and life insurance benefits, paid leave and holidays consistent with those offered to city management employees. Additional compensation includes a $250 monthly vehicle allowance and a $75 monthly cellphone allowance, unless the city provides a cellphone.
Amezcua would participate in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System under the 2% at age 62 retirement formula. The agreement lists current retirement contribution rates of 7.96% for the city and 7.75% for the employee, subject to applicable adjustments.
As finance director, Amezcua would report directly to Terrazas-Baxter and oversee the city’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, audits, and regulatory compliance.
Her first-year priorities would include stabilizing department operations, strengthening financial oversight, improving internal controls and modernizing administrative procedures.
The agreement also emphasizes budget development, financial planning, customer service, public communication, and coordination with other city departments.
Although the contract establishes a three-year term, Amezcua would serve at the discretion of the city manager under an at-will employment arrangement.
If terminated without cause, she would be entitled to 30 days’ written notice and, under specified conditions, severance equivalent to 60 days of salary. No severance would be provided for termination involving misconduct, policy violations, or other qualifying causes.
According to the staff report, compensation and related personnel expenses are included in Brawley’s approved fiscal year 2026-27 budget, and no additional budget adjustment is required.
Future costs would be incorporated into the city’s annual budget process. The proposed agreement was reviewed by the city attorney before being submitted for council consideration.
