Copyright M Live Michigan
KALAMAZOO, MI — Kalamazoo city commissioners have agreed to a contract with new city manager Malcolm Hankins, including a six-figure salary, moving expenses, monthly car payments and more. Commissioners voted 6-1 to approve a contract with Hankins during a Thursday, Oct. 30 special meeting. Qianna Decker was the only commissioner to vote “no” to approving the contract. She also voted against extending the offer on Oct. 20. Hankins is expected to start on Jan. 5, 2026, per the contract. His base salary is set at $258,900.60 a year, per the contract. That’s $53,555 higher than current City Manager James Ritsema’s 2025 salary. Ritsema is retiring Nov. 18. The commission will appoint an interim city manager at its Nov. 17 meeting, Mayor David Anderson said. Hankins’ salary will be reviewed annually and may be adjusted by the city commission, per city documents. Additional compensation may be awarded based on performance. The commission selected Hankins over two other finalists for the position on Oct. 20, after a four-month nationwide search process. “After about a week of friendly back and forth with Mr. Hankins, we were able to come to agreement,” Commissioner Alonzo Wilson said. Hankins is relocating to the area from Des Moines, Iowa, where he works as assistant city manager. He has more then 35 years of local government experience in Iowa, Arizona and Colorado, per city documents. Kalamazoo is offering a $30,000 payment, plus a $5,000 advance, to cover travel lodging expenses while Hankins finds housing and selects schools in the area. Hankins is required by contract to notify the city when he purchases a home. Until then, he’ll receive $3,500 a month for “transitional” housing. The contract does not include a requirement for Hankins to buy a home in the city of Kalamazoo. Other benefits include five weeks of paid vacation, a $35.99 per month cellphone allowance and $750 per month car allowance. The city also agreed to pay for “reasonable” travel, food and lodging expenses associated with professional development events. “The new city manager will bring great gifts to this community,” Commissioner Don Cooney said. “And I believe that it was absolutely the right choice.” Ritsema was appointed city manager in 2013. His 34-year career includes serving as finance director in Marshall and Battle Creek and time as Battle Creek’s assistant city manager.
