City Manager Demonstrates Fiscal Leadership Amid Budget Challenges

Published on June 06, 2025

City Manager Bret Prebula has voluntarily opted to forgo his one-time $10,000 performance bonus and reduce his scheduled cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) amidst Suisun City’s current financial challenges.

During a recent performance evaluation, the City Council determined that Prebula met the criteria in his employment agreement to receive both a one-time bonus and a COLA between 3.5% and 5%, based on the San Francisco-Oakland Hayward Index. Despite this, Prebula informed the council that he would decline the bonus and instead tie his COLA to the outcome of negotiations with employee unions, rather than accepting the full adjustment outlined in his contract and offered based on results from the performance evaluation.

The total impact of this decision could result in savings of up to $15,000 for Suisun City.

“I recognize the financial pressure Suisun City is under and understand the need for shared responsibility,” said City Manager Bret Prebula. “While I appreciate the council’s confidence in my performance, the needs of our city come first. It's important that our priorities remain aligned as we work through these fiscal challenges together.”

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our City Manager,” said Suisun City Mayor Alma Hernandez, “for his leadership and integrity in forgoing his well-deserved contractual bonus and agreeing to a lower cost-of-living adjustment as we work to balance our budget. His decision reflects a deep commitment to our community and to the long-term sustainability of Suisun City.”

This proactive gesture comes as the city continues development discussions with regional partners and explores long-term solutions to restore fiscal balance while protecting essential services for the public.