By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Feb. 10 — Town Manager Steve Burke received unanimous approval from the Luray Council on Monday night for the renewal of his contract.
Council members praised Burke as they voted, 6-0, to support Councilwoman Leah Pence’s motion to renew the town manager’s contract for one year. Under the terms of the agreement, the contract will automatically renew each year unless either party — either the Town or Burke — decides to withdraw from the agreement.
Burke’s $118,000 annual salary will remain unchanged, but he did receive his request for one additional week of administrative leave. Under the terms of contract, Burke is eligible for 10 days of paid leave and 15 days of administrative leave each year. Burke will use his personal vehicle for town business, but he will be reimbursed at a rate of $400 per month.
“It’s been great,” Burke said of his two-year tenure with the town. “I look forward to many more years of serving the council and the residents to advance the policies and goals of the council to improve the lives of our citizens.”
Burke was first hired in March 2018. His two-year contract was set to expire at the end of February. The new contract officially begins March 5, 2020 and runs through March 4, 2021. Six months into the agreement, Burke will be subject to a performance review by the mayor and council.
Prior to arriving in Luray, Burke served as town manager in Front Royal for about six years and the public works director in Manassas for 18 months.
Burke said his time in Luray has been productive and rewarding.
“The staff is incredible, the council is receptive and we’ve really made some progress on important issues.”
Steve is an asset to the community. Glad to have the Burke’s here.