Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — We can now remove the word “Interim” from Kevin Robinson’s City Manager title in Spencer.

Mayor Steve Bomgaars had reached out to Robinson – a former Mayor himself – to help the city out the week following the flood and presented the proposal to the full council Tuesday night.

The vote was six to zero, with Councilman Brian Balk abstaining. He said he admires the job Robinson has done since June, but questions the salary and process.

The city council has passed a revision of the City Manager ordinance which allowed Robinson to be hired without a public adminstration degree on two of three readings. City Attorney Don Hemphill reassured the council they could move forward with the hiring since it’s clearly the intent of the council to pass the change on a third reading.

The new contract takes effect immediately.

Robinson’s compensation is 175 thousand dollars in year one, increasing 10 thousand dollars per year in years two and three when the contract will be open to renegotiation.