Brentwood City Manager G. Harold Duffey has received a 3% salary increase, boosting his annual base pay to approximately $313,650 from $304,515, despite being on paid administrative leave since June. The Brentwood City Council unanimously approved the raise, which took effect July 16.
This pay bump is attributed to a "compaction clause" in Duffey's employment contract that mandates his salary remain 5% higher than the highest-paid employee reporting directly to him. The clause was triggered when Walter O’Grodnick was appointed police chief on July 16, narrowing the salary gap between his position and the city manager's to 2%.
Duffey's employment status remains uncertain, as city officials have not disclosed whether his leave is related to a texting scandal or separate allegations of gender-based discrimination. The controversy gained public attention following the resignation of Oakland City Administrator Jestin Johnson in May, after the release of public records containing suggestive messages exchanged between Johnson and Duffey.
In one exchange from 2024, Duffey made suggestive remarks about a female official, referring to her as having "kryptonite." Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee characterized such messages as "degrading and unprofessional."
Duffey joined Brentwood in November after serving in Oakland. Shortly after Johnson's resignation, four Brentwood employee associations voiced "serious concern" to the City Council regarding Duffey and alleged gender-based discrimination. An anonymous employee reported witnessing "degrading and dehumanizing" treatment of women, including differential treatment and expectations regarding workload. The council placed Duffey on paid leave in June, stating the decision did not represent a final determination of any matter.
During a recent public comment period, a resident urged the council to reconsider the raise until Duffey's employment status was resolved, but the increase proceeded. Duffey's performance evaluation was scheduled for a closed session, but no updates were provided afterward. His removal from the position would require voluntary resignation or termination by the City Council. Prior to Brentwood, Duffey held city management roles in Compton, Grand Terrace, and Oroville.