Traverse City names long time administrator as permanent city manager, formal approval pending

The Traverse City Commission on December 11 advanced a plan to install Benjamin Marentette as the citys permanent manager, approving an employment agreement that sets his annual compensation at $202,837.20, which includes a rolled in car allowance. The agreement lays out terms for separation and future pay reviews, and the move follows Marentettes service as interim city manager since July.

Marentette brings more than two decades of municipal experience to the post, including 14 years as city clerk. Those long years inside city government were a central rationale for selecting him, emphasizing institutional knowledge as the commission seeks continuity for ongoing projects and daily administration.

Under the proposed employment agreement, if Marentette resigns he must provide 60 days notice. If the commission terminates him, the contract calls for 180 days of pay and benefits. The agreement also requires market salary reviews every two years beginning in 2028, a provision designed to keep compensation aligned with public sector standards and local fiscal realities. The recommendation for the appointment came from Mayor Amy Shamroe and Mayor Pro Tem Laura Ness, and the agreement will take effect after formal commission approval.

For residents, the decision has practical implications. A permanent manager with long tenure at city hall can smooth transitions for major initiatives, provide steady oversight of municipal services, and act as a consistent point of contact for regional partners and developers. At the same time, the salary and severance provisions will factor into the citys compensation budget and long term financial planning.

Marentettes scheduled start date is December 16, and the commission will complete the formal approval steps before the contract becomes final. As Traverse City moves forward, the choice reflects a preference for experienced internal leadership, a pragmatic approach that prioritizes continuity in a time when local governments face both fiscal constraints and increased expectations for service delivery.