Additional reporting by Elizabeth Friend

Chapel Hill Town Manager Roger Stancil will remain in office until 2017, according to his recent contract extension.

Roger Stancil

Roger Stancil

The Chapel Hill News reports that the Town Council unanimously approved the extension on Monday in a closed session meeting. The decision also approves a three-percent pay increase, as all town employees received this year.

In early September, eleven Chapel Hill residents submitted a petition to the Council asking it to hold Stancil and town staffers accountable for “apparent fiscal mismanagement”.

STORY: Petitioners Question Chapel Hill Town Manager’s Spending

Chapel Hill resident Tom Henkel delivered the petition. He said he’s seen a pattern of over-reliance on outside consultants and a failure to rein in costs for their services. He cites the Central West Small Area planning process as a recent example.

Stancil responded to the petition saying he’s proud of the “consistent and transparent reporting of budget matters”. He said financial updates are given to the public and Council periodically throughout the year and are always available through the Town’s website.

STORY: Roger Stancil Responds To Allegations Of Financial Mismanagement

Henkel said the town should consult with experts from UNC instead of outside experts.

However, Stancil said annual independent audits show the continued commitment to proper financial management.

Henkel also noted that the Town Manager’s administrative budget increased by 45 percent over the past five years, while spending for street repair and new vehicles dropped by 25 percent.

Despite these allegations, the Council showed its complete support of Stancil with Monday’s unanimous vote.

2014  town council