Lesher Secures $100K Pay Boost, Announces Two-Year Countdown as Pima County Administrator

A divided Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday to renew Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher’s contract, ultimately granting her a 27% increase in pay along with an additional 10% in deferred compensation. The newly structured contract is notably shorter than those of her predecessors.

Lesher, who intends to retire in two years, reflected on her long career since starting at Baskin-Robbins at age 15. “The days of anyone serving for 30-plus years are over,” she stated, acknowledging her recent milestone of turning 70.

She aims for a “calm” end to her tenure while addressing significant budget challenges and navigating potential conflicts with the incoming Trump administration. Despite these challenges, Lesher expressed confidence in her collaborative relationship with the county board members.

The vote breakdown saw three Democrats supporting the contract, while one abstained and one Republican opposed it. Lesher will now receive an annual base salary of $330,000, an increase from her previous compensation of $260,000 since her appointment in April 2022.

The new agreement includes a $31,000 deferred compensation package, a monthly car allowance of $550, and enhanced sick leave and vacation time. This increase aligns her compensation with that of her predecessor, Chuck Huckelberry, who left his position in 2022 after a serious accident.

Supervisor Steve Christy was the only Republican to vote against the contract. He criticized the lack of transparency during contract negotiations conducted in a closed session, voicing concerns about the process surrounding the approval.

Supervisors who supported the renewal justified the raise by citing a recent compensation study. They positioned the agreement as competitive with salaries offered to executives in similar roles within the region, particularly given the recent hiring of new leaders in the city of Tucson and Pima Community College at salaries exceeding $325,000.

Christy emphasized the need for public clarity regarding contract details, including various compensation elements. His remarks echoed past criticisms of how contract negotiations have historically lacked oversight and openness.

In contrast, Supervisor Matt Heinz, who abstained from voting, believes Lesher deserves a higher salary due to her extensive qualifications and experience. He indicated that underpayment of county administrators reflects poorly on the board’s governance.

With a career beginning in 2010, Lesher has advanced through various roles within the county government. Before her current position, she served as chief of staff for former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and held key positions in several organizations, exhibiting a strong commitment to public service.