Lakewood – The City Council on Tuesday held to an agreement under which City Manager Mike Rock will give up his city-provided pickup truck in exchange for a $750 monthly auto allowance.
The unanimous City Council vote came after a third closed-door session in three weeks over Rock’s use of the 2004 Chevy, which was part of his 10-year contract extension in 2000.
Rock’s personal use of the truck came to light after his wife, Patricia Layton, had an accident in February while driving the truck near Colorado Springs.
Mayor Steve Burkholder said Rock offered to amend his contract and turn in the truck, which he said will save city residents about $8,400 a year.
Rock’s use of a city vehicle cost $17,400 annually. Under the allowance agreement, Rock will purchase his own vehicle and pay for fuel, maintenance, repairs and insurance.
“This City Council needs to get this behind us and on to the real issues,” Burkholder said.
Rock also has repaid $458 for city-installed speakers in the truck. And he will reimburse the city for the $8,846 in claims from his wife’s accident.
“I’m glad to have it over,” said Rock, who will hand over the keys today. “I do recognize the public concern, and I don’t want it to be a distraction.”
Rock’s expenses have been questioned as the city prepares to slice $12.5 million from the next two years’ budgets and possibly ask voters to increase the sales tax from 2 percent to 3 percent.
Council President Carol Kesselman said the council’s action “is an opportunity for us to demonstrate to the city that we are looking very hard at the cost to the city.”
Burkholder also will review Rock’s expenses monthly, with an audit committee monitoring the mayor’s review.
An independent outside audit will review all city expenses.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
