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

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