RAIT AMENDED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT2026.DOCX

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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
C2025-02A
THIS AMENDED AGREEMENT (Agreement) is entered into this ____ day of ______ 2026, 
signed by and between Kerry Rait, hereinafter referred to as “Rait” and the City of Tempe, an 
Arizona municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as the “City”. 
This Agreement is based on the Arizona Constitution’s requirement of separation of powers and 
the necessity of judicial independence to preserve and protect that separation.  This Agreement 
shall set forth the parameters, guidelines, duties and rules of conduct, and compensation during 
the term of this Agreement.  In consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and undertakings 
set forth below, the parties do hereby agree as follows:
1.
This Agreement shall be effective from January 13, 2025, through January 12, 2027.
2.
Rait agrees: 
a.
To faithfully perform the functions and duties of a City Court Judge under the 
administration of the Presiding Judge of the Tempe City Court and pursuant to all laws, 
ordinances, and rules of the State of Arizona, City of Tempe, and Arizona Supreme 
Court.
b. To maintain normal work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 
except as needed for assigned dockets outside normal work hours, City recognized 
holidays, vacation or other leave as granted by the Presiding Judge or City Personnel 
Rules.
c.
To preside as Judge over all assigned Court calendars and cases in a timely fashion and 
shall notify the Presiding Judge, if necessary, in a timely fashion of her inability to 
preside over any calendars in order that the Presiding Judge may secure the service of 
a Judge Pro Tem or other appropriate coverage in her absence.
d. To ensure at all times that her conduct as Judge of the City Court of the City of Tempe 
does not violate the Code of Judicial Conduct, Rule 45 of the Rules of the Arizona 
Supreme Court, and any other Rule or law governing the conduct of judges during the 
terms of this contract.
e.
To not commit any act, which would be grounds for dismissal pursuant to Rule 4 of 
the Personnel Rules and Regulations of the City of Tempe.
f.
That during the term of this Agreement, she may be removed from office for violation 
of this Agreement by the City Council of the City of Tempe. Notice of removal of 
office shall be delivered in writing to Rait and she shall have the right to request 
a hearing before the City Council of the City of Tempe. Any such request for hearing 
and any hearing shall be in accordance with Rule 4, Section 407(F)(1) of the City 
of Tempe Personnel Rules, except that said hearing shall be before the City Council 
of the City of Tempe and not the Merit System Board.

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3.  The City agrees:
a.
To provide Rait with an annual base salary of $211,312 beginning July 1, 2026. The 
salary range for the position of City Court Judge is currently $172,417 - $229,315. The 
City Court Judge’s salary range shall be adjusted by any applicable benchmark study.
b. To give Rait a 3.75% step increase at the beginning of each new fiscal year (starting 
July 1, 2027). The salary shall not exceed salary range maximum. The City shall 
provide a one-time longevity bonus pursuant to City policy should they reach the 
maximum of the range.   
c.
To provide Rait with leave (vacation, paid sick leave and holidays) and other benefits 
in accordance with the Personnel Rules.
d. To offer Rait the same medical and dental coverage as other City employees.
e.
To reimburse Rait for all approved City business and related expenses in accordance 
with City policy.
f.
To reimburse Rait for all approved travel and per diem expenses associated with 
conferences and professional meetings related to City business or professional training 
in accordance with City laws and Personnel Rules.
g.  To provide Rait with life insurance as provided to all City employees, and Accidental 
Death and Dismemberment insurance at one time her annual base salary.
h.  To provide that Rait shall participate in the Arizona State Retirement System and City 
sponsored deferred compensation plans as other eligible City employees.
i.   To allow Rait to engage in outside writing, speaking, teaching and training activities 
so long as such activities are in accordance with the City’s Personnel Rules and 
Regulations and do not conflict with her duties as City Court Judge.
4. This Agreement, including the Recitals that are incorporated into the terms of this 
Agreement supersedes all other agreements between the parties, including the Agreement, 
and constitutes the entire agreement on the subject matter contained herein.
5. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining 
provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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C2025-02A
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereof have caused this Agreement to be executed by their 
duly authorized representatives as of the date first written above.
CITY OF TEMPE, a municipal corporation
By:
Corey D. Woods, Mayor
     
Kerry Rait, Employee
ATTEST:
Kara A. DeArrastia, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Eric C. Anderson, City Attorney
DATED this ______ day of ________________, 2026