SAMPANES EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 26-28 SIGNED.PDF

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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
 
THIS AGREEMENT (Agreement) is entered into this 26th day of March 2026, signed by 
and between James J. Sampanes, hereinafter referred to as Sampanes 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 May 4, 2026, through May 3, 2028. 
2. Sampanes agrees: 
a. To faithfully perform the functions and duties of Presiding Judge pursuant to all 
laws, ordinances, and rules of the State of Arizona, City of Tempe, and Arizona 
Supreme Court. 
b. To preside as Presiding Judge over the Tempe Municipal Court System and other 
judges and commissioners of the Tempe Municipal Court whether full time or 
judge pro tern. 
c. To ensure at all times that his conduct as Presiding Judge of the Tempe Municipal 
Court does not violate any Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Order or City 
of Tempe Personnel Rule, and he must comply with the canons set forth in the 
Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct. He must comply with any other rule or law 
governing the conduct of judges during the term of his contract and fulfill the 
mandatory hours of continuing judicial education. 
d. 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. 
e. During the term of this Agreement, he 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 Sampanes and he 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)(l) 
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. 
3. The City agrees: 
a. Sampanes will receive an annual base salary of  $245,000 beginning May 4, 2026, 
plus additional compensation of 10% of base salary in deferred compensation and 
$12,000 in executive benefit for a total compensation of $281,500.

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b. To give Sampanes a merit step increase of up to five percent (5%) of Sampanes’  
base salary based on satisfactory performance of his duties as determined annually 
by the City Council, with increases effective the first pay period ending in each 
July of each fiscal year of this agreement. 
c. To provide Sampanes with  leave (exempt, vacation, paid sick leave and holidays) 
and other benefits in accordance with the Personnel Rules. 
d. To offer Sampanes the same medical and dental coverage as other City employees. 
e. To reimburse Sampanes for all approved City business and related expenses in 
accordance with City policy. 
f. To reimburse Sampanes 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 pay Sampanes one hundred percent (100%) of his accrued sick and vacation 
leave balance upon the end of his employment, unless he is terminated for 
committing acts that would constitute willful misconduct, fraud, corruption, moral 
turpitude or any violation of the Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct. 
h. To provide Sampanes with life insurance as provided to all City employees, and 
Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance at one times his annual base 
salary. 
i. To provide that Sampanes shall participate in the Arizona State Retirement 
System and City sponsored deferred compensation plans as other eligible City 
employees. 
j. To allow Sampanes 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 his duties as Presiding Judge.

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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 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
James J. Sampanes 
 
ATTEST: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kara A. DeArrastia, City Clerk 
 
 
APPROVED AS TO FORM: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eric C. Anderson, City Attorney 
 
 
 
DATED this ______ day of ________________, 2026