The Brooksville City Council voted 4-1 on January 31, 2026, to approve a 5% salary increase for City Manager Lisa Hendrickson following her first-year evaluation. The raise boosts Hendrickson’s base salary from $130,000 to $136,500 annually and takes effect the first pay period in February.
Council member Betty Erhard cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that eight months on the job was too soon for a perfect score and that merit increases should wait given the city’s financial situation. Erhard cited concerns about two vacant general fund positions and pension termination costs as reasons to delay the raise.
Mayor Christa Tanner, Vice Mayor Thomas Bronson and council members Louis Hallal and J.W. McKethan gave Hendrickson perfect scores of 40, meaning “exceeds expectations,” with recommendations for a 4% to 5% compensation increase. Erhard’s lower scores brought Hendrickson’s average to 36.6, just above the threshold for “exceeds expectations” and qualifying her for the 4% to 5% raise range.
The evaluation period covered April 30 to December 31, according to Human Resources Director Kyle Martin. The four supporting council members praised Hendrickson for making a significant impact on the city, noting she is active in the community, present at events and willing to engage with residents. The Hernando Today reported that despite budget constraints, the majority of council members felt Hendrickson’s performance warranted the compensation increase during her first year leading the city.
Originally reported by Suncoast News – Brooksville
Sources: Suncoast News – Brooksville
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