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The Cincinnati city manager salary is under scrutiny after records showed Sheryl Long earns about $329,241 annually, making her the highest-paid employee in Cincinnati government. The pay reflects a 14.8% increase since she took office in 2022. While the Cincinnati City Council gave Long a positive performance review and praised her leadership overseeing more than 6,000 city employees, the compensation has sparked public debate about transparency, taxpayer costs, and executive pay levels in municipal government. Despite the strong review, Long declined to request a salary increase as the city faces potential budget pressures.
The Cincinnati city manager salary has come under renewed public scrutiny after city records confirmed the top administrative position earns more than $329,000 annually.
The debate follows the recent performance review of Cincinnati’s top executive administrator, a role responsible for overseeing daily city operations, managing thousands of employees, and implementing policies approved by elected officials.
While city leaders praised the current leadership, the rising compensation attached to the position has sparked questions about transparency, accountability, and taxpayer costs.
According to multiple reports from local outlets, Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long currently earns approximately $329,241 per year, making her the highest-paid employee in Cincinnati city government. According to reporting by WVXU, the salary reflects a roughly 14.8-percent increase since she assumed the role in September 2022.
The compensation level has renewed broader discussions about how executive leadership in city government is paid and how those salaries compare with other municipal roles.
Cincinnati city manager salary among highest city employee pay
The Cincinnati city manager salary stands at the top of the city’s payroll structure. The position functions as the administrative head of the municipal government.
Under Cincinnati’s city charter, the city manager acts as the chief operating officer of city government. The role oversees the implementation of policies adopted by City Council and supervises city departments responsible for services such as policing, sanitation, infrastructure, and emergency response.
According to reporting by The Cincinnati Enquirer, the city manager oversees an organization of more than 6,000 municipal employees delivering services across Cincinnati.
The position’s compensation has steadily increased over the past decade as the city has grown and its administrative responsibilities have expanded.
Recent salaries for the position include:
- Harry Black: approximately $265,000 annually
- Patrick Duhaney: approximately $270,000 annually
- Sheryl Long: approximately $329,000 annually
These figures represent base salary only. In public sector leadership roles, additional compensation typically includes employer-funded benefits.
These may include:
- Health insurance coverage
- Pension contributions through the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
- Paid leave and vacation time
- Executive employment benefits
When benefits are included, total compensation for senior municipal administrators can exceed the base salary significantly.
Public payroll structures often combine salary and benefits as part of a broader compensation package designed to attract experienced executive leadership.
City council gives positive performance review
The discussion surrounding the Cincinnati city manager salary comes shortly after the City Council released a formal performance review of Long.
According to reporting by FOX19, all nine members of Cincinnati City Council expressed support for her leadership and concluded she remains the right person to lead city administration.
Council members evaluated the city manager across several performance categories, including:
- Leadership and management
- Public safety oversight
- Communication with council and the public
- Fiscal management
- Personnel decisions
The review process involved several meetings and internal discussions over the past two months.
City leaders credited Long with maintaining continuity in city government and navigating operational challenges facing the city.
However, the review also identified areas for improvement.
According to WVXU, council members encouraged the city manager to increase communication with both city council and the public, particularly during crises or major policy decisions.
Officials noted that improved communication could help strengthen public confidence in city leadership.
No pay increase despite strong review
Despite the positive evaluation, the Cincinnati city manager salary will not increase in the immediate future.
City officials confirmed that Long declined to request a raise during the review process.
Councilmember Mark Jeffreys, who led the evaluation effort, said the decision came as the city faces financial pressures and budget challenges.
According to reporting by FOX19, Long indicated she would forgo any pay increase as city leaders prepare for potential budget reductions.
The decision comes at a time when Cincinnati officials are managing fiscal constraints and evaluating long-term spending priorities.
Recent city budget discussions have included concerns about declining federal pandemic aid and projected budget gaps.
A recent Cincinnati Exchange analysis found the city could face a budget deficit as federal pandemic relief funds expire, forcing leaders to consider spending adjustments and new revenue sources.
Read more in our coverage of Cincinnati’s tight budget outlook.
City leaders are also evaluating potential revenue options, including a proposed income tax measure that could appear on a future ballot.
FAQs
How much is the Cincinnati city manager's salary?
The Cincinnati city manager salary is approximately $329,241 per year. This makes the position the highest-paid role within Cincinnati city government.
Who is the current Cincinnati city manager?
The current city manager is Sheryl Long. She assumed the role in September 2022 and oversees the daily operations of city government.
Why is the Cincinnati city manager salary being discussed publicly?
The salary has drawn scrutiny because it exceeds $329,000 and is significantly higher than many other city positions. Some residents and officials are questioning transparency and taxpayer spending.
Did Cincinnati City Council approve a pay increase for the city manager?
No, the Cincinnati City Council did not approve a new pay increase during the latest performance review. Long chose not to request a raise as the city faces possible budget constraints.
What does the Cincinnati city manager do?
The city manager acts as the chief administrative officer for Cincinnati. The role oversees city departments, implements policies approved by council, and manages thousands of municipal employees.
