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1 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVE, STE. 250
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501
(951) 826-5567
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF RIVERSIDE AND
LORI K. M. COX AS INSPECTOR GENERAL (AT-WILL AND NON-CLASSIFIED) THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this ______ day of __________, _____, by and between the CITY OF RIVERSIDE, a California charter city and municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as “CITY” or “EMPLOYER,” and LORI K.M. COX, hereinafter referred to as “EMPLOYEE,” both of whom understand as follows:
RECITALS
A. The Riverside City Council (“City Council”) engaged in an extensive recruitment process for the position of Inspector General.
B. After carefully evaluating Employee’s knowledge, experience, administrative skills, and abilities finds Employee possesses the requirements necessary for the position of Inspector General, which office was created pursuant to Article IV, Section 420, of the City of Riverside City Charter.
C. Pursuant to Riverside Municipal Code Section 2.36.040(B), the City Council, at its regularly scheduled meeting, on October 6, 2026, voted to appoint Employee to the position of Inspector General.
D. The Parties mutually agree that this Agreement reflects the terms and conditions under which the parties intend and desire to employ.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the City and Employee agree as follows:
SECTION 1. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES, AND AUTHORITY.
Employer agrees to employ Employee as Inspector General upon the Effective Date of this atwill Employment Agreement. Employee agrees to accept employment as Inspector General of the City of Riverside pursuant to the terms and conditions of this at-will Employment Agreement and agrees to exercise the powers and authority to perform the functions and duties specified in the City of Riverside City Charter, the Municipal Code and all relevant resolutions, procedures, applicable job description(s), and state codes, as now existing or hereafter amended.
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2 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVE, STE. 250
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501
(951) 826-5567
Employee shall exercise such power and authority to perform such other functions and duties, not inconsistent with this Agreement, as Employer, by and through its City Council, may legally assign.
SECTION 2. DUTIES.
The City hereby agrees to employ Employee as Inspector General to perform the functions and duties as specified in the classification Job Code #8318, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and made a part hereof.
SECTION 3. TERM.
A. Effective October 19, 2026, Employee agrees to fulfill the functions and duties of Inspector General of the City of Riverside and shall remain in effect for a period of three (3) years from the Effective Date, unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the provisions stated herein. This Agreement may be extended upon mutual agreement of the parties. During the term of the Agreement, the Employee shall be a full-time Inspector General.
B. Services provided by Employee shall commence on October 19, 2026, and shall continue upon such terms and conditions as set forth herein and as may be mutually negotiated by amendment to this Agreement.
C. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit, or otherwise interfere with the right of the City Council to terminate the services of Employee at any time, subject only to the provisions set forth in Section 4 below.
D. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit, or otherwise interfere with the right of Employee to resign at any time from the position of Inspector General, subject only to the provisions set forth in Section 4 below.
E. Employee agrees to remain in the exclusive employ of the City and neither to accept other employment nor to become employed by any other Employer until this Agreement is terminated.
Notwithstanding, Employee may engage in secondary employment or business activity in accordance with Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual Section I-7 and upon authorization by the City Council. ///
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3 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVE, STE. 250
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501
(951) 826-5567
SECTION 4. TERMINATION/MODIFICATION.
A. Employee understands, acknowledges, and agrees that pursuant to the below sections, the City Council may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without cause or advance notice by the City Council. The City Council shall only be required to provide written notice to Employee as to the Effective Date of said termination.
B. In the event this Agreement is terminated, Employee agrees to immediately surrender the position of Inspector General, any and all writings containing information relating to the conduct of the City’s business prepared, owned, used, or retained by Employee, regardless of physical form or characteristics, and any and all equipment, tools, or other materials of whatever nature provided to Employee by City in Employee’s capacity of Inspector General. Employee shall be entitled to receive payment for all hours worked, any holiday pay due and owing, all vacation hours accrued to the date of termination, and any deferred compensation contributions made by Employee (including contributions by the Employer on behalf of the Employee).
C. In the event this Agreement is terminated for cause, the City’s obligation to pay Employee under “E” below, shall immediately cease. “Cause” shall mean any of the following:
1. Willful misconduct;
2. Gross negligence;
3. Theft;
4. Gross failure to adequately perform material job duties after written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure;
5. Willful abandonment of duties;
6. Dishonesty in performing job duties that is materially injurious to the City;
7. Material violation of the City’s written policies or rules;
8. Gross conduct that materially and adversely reflects upon the City;
9. Conviction of a felony or any crime involving dishonesty, moral turpitude, deceit, or fraud;
10. Any willful act that materially injures the reputation of the City;
11. Gross violation of any fiduciary duty;
12. Gross violation of any duty of loyalty;
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4 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVE, STE. 250
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501
(951) 826-5567
13. Conviction of any crime involving an “abuse of office or position” as defined in Government Code Section 53243.4;
14. Repeated failure to carry out lawful directives of the City Council made by the City Council as a body after written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure;
15. Any grossly negligent action or inaction that materially and adversely: (a) impedes or disrupts City operations; (b) is detrimental to employees or public safety; or (c) violates properly established rules or procedures of the City; or
16. Breach of this Agreement.
D. In the event Employee desires to terminate this Agreement, during such time as the City Council desires Employee to continue in the capacity of Inspector General, then, in that event, Employee agrees to provide the City Council with two (2) weeks’ prior written notice of said termination. In the event City Council desires to terminate this Agreement during which time Employee is ready, willing, and able to perform the functions and duties set forth herein, then, in that event, City Council agrees to pay Employee, in addition to any other amount that may be due at the time of termination of this Agreement, a lump sum cash payment equal to six (6) months of Employee’s then current aggregate salary and the then applicable calendar year 401(a) contribution on the Effective Date of termination (collectively “Severance”). If the unexpired term of the Agreement is less than or equal to eighteen (18) months, such lump sum cash payment shall not exceed an amount equal to the monthly salary of the Employee multiplied by the number of months left on the unexpired term of the contract, pursuant to Government Code section 53260.
E. Employee understands and agrees that the City Council may terminate this Agreement any time, with or without cause or advance notice by the City Council, and without right of challenge or appeal right of any kind whatsoever. For the purpose of this Agreement, termination shall occur when a majority of the City Council votes to terminate the Employee without cause at a duly authorized public meeting or when a super majority (five (5) affirmative votes) of the City Council votes to terminate the Employee for cause (per Section 4(C)) at a duly authorized public meeting.
The Employee shall not be terminated during the sixty (60)-day period following any change of membership of the City Council. Consistent with best practices in municipal governance, the parties agree that stability in key charter officer positions promotes effective administration and public trust.
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5 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVE, STE. 250
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501
(951) 826-5567
F. No City representative has authority to agree to anything contrary to employment atwill, unless it is specific, in writing, and signed by the City Council.
G. In the event that this Employment Agreement is terminated, any cash settlement related to the termination that the Employee may receive from City shall be fully reimbursed to City if Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of his or her office or position as defined in Government Code Section 53243.4.
SECTION 5. SALARY.
City agrees to pay Employee pursuant to the salary range of the classification “Inspector General” as set forth in Riverside City Council Resolution No. 21052 as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended. Effective October 19, 2026, Employee shall receive an annual salary of Two Hundred Nineteen Thousand Dollars ($219,000.00), payable in the same manner and time as are all other employees of City. Thereafter, Employee’s salary shall be eligible for a three percent (3%) increase annually upon satisfactory performance evaluation.
SECTION 6. FRINGE BENEFITS.
A. Effective July 17, 2026, Employee shall accrue vacation leave at the rate of 7.69 hours per pay period (200 hours annually) as said pay periods are established by City.
B. Effective July 17, 2026, Employee shall accrue sick leave at the rate of 3.70 hours per pay period (96 hours) as said pay periods are established by City.
C. All actions taken by City relating to fringe benefits as hereinafter defined shall be considered actions including and applying to Employee. The term “Fringe Benefits,” as used herein is set forth in City Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual and the Fringe Benefits include vacation, sick leave, administrative leave, holidays, retirement (PERS) benefits and payments, health, dental, and life insurance, deferred compensation, and City automobile or automobile allowance. In addition, City shall make available a long-term disability insurance plan for Employee, as the same is provided to other City employees in the Executive Group. In the event the benefits in the City’s Fringe Benefits and Salary Resolution No. 21052 conflict with those offered by this contract, the contract shall govern.
D. Employee understands, acknowledges, and agrees that the position of Inspector General is commensurate with an exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and shall not DRAFT
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6 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVE, STE. 250
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501
(951) 826-5567
be entitled to receive any overtime pay, compensatory time, or other premium pay or compensation, except as may be provided by the above-cited Personnel Policy.
E. The City shall provide Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per calendar year, not to exceed Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00), during the term of this Agreement for reasonable and appropriate expenses associated with professional dues and subscriptions and/or attendance at conferences, training opportunities, and meetings of organizations concerned with the Inspector General and/or the public administration profession.
F. Employee will receive a one-time credit of eighty (80) hours of vacation and eighty (80) hours of administrative leave, as of the Effective Date of this Agreement. Usage of administrative leave is subject to the FBSP.
G. Cost-of-Living Increase: Employee shall be entitled to any approved cost-of-living increase as set forth in the Riverside City Council Resolution No. 21052 in the same manner as the Executive Group after the Effective Date of this Agreement.
H. Administrative Leave: Employee shall be entitled to 100 hours of administrative leave per fiscal year, which must be used by Employee during that fiscal year.
I. Relocation: Employee shall be entitled to up to reimbursement for up to $15,000 in relocation costs, upon presentation of receipts.
SECTION 7. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION.
The City Council may evaluate Employee’s performance after the first six (6) months. The City Council and Employee can meet at any time(s) while this Agreement is in effect to conduct an evaluation of the Employee’s performance and to set goals and objectives for the ensuing year.
SECTION 8. AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE/PARKING.
Employer shall provide parking at no cost to Employee. At Employee’s election, Employee shall receive an automobile allowance of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per month.
SECTION 9. OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
The City Council, in consultation with Employee, may fix such other terms and conditions of employment as they may determine from time to time, relating to the duties and performance of Employee, provided such terms and conditions are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the provisions of this Agreement, the City’s Charter, Municipal Code, or any law, ordinance, resolution, DRAFT
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7 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVE, STE. 250
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501
(951) 826-5567
or regulation. The City Council can exercise their discretion in imposing discipline short of termination when, in their sole discretion, as deems it appropriate.
SECTION 11. NOTICES.
Notices pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally served, given by mail or by overnight delivery. Any notice given by mail shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States mail, certified, and postage prepaid, addressed to the City at 3900 Main Street, Riverside, California 92522, and the Employee at the address then currently on file with the Human Resources Department, or such other address as may be given, in writing, to the other party.
SECTION 12. NON-DISCRIMINATION.
Pursuant to Section 6.26.055 of the Riverside Municipal Code as the same now exists or hereafter may be amended, Employer agrees not to discriminate in the performance of Employee’s functions and duties on the grounds of or because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, disability, including the medical condition of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), or any condition related thereto, martial status, gender, gender identity, genetic information, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, or military or veteran status.
SECTION 13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto. No promise, representation, warranty, or covenant not included in this Agreement has been or is relied on by any party hereto.
SECTION 14. ASSIGNMENT.
This Agreement is not assignable by either City or Employee.
SECTION 15. DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION.
A. The City shall defend and indemnify Employee to the extent required by Government Code Sections 825-825.6 and shall provide such additional defense and indemnification as set forth in this Section.
B. Upon tender by Employee, the City shall provide a defense for Employee in any administrative, civil, or equitable manner arising out of alleged acts or omissions occurring within the DRAFT
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8 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVE, STE. 250
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501
(951) 826-5567
performance of Employee’s duties as Inspector General, whether such matter arises during or after Employee’s employment with the City.
C. If Employee is sued for acts or omissions that occur during the course and scope of Employee’s employment and a conflict of interest exists between the Employee and the City, the City shall provide independent counsel for Employee, in accordance with the City’s Outside Counsel Policy.
D. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit the Employee’s rights under Government Code Sections 825-825.6.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, City and Employee have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
EMPLOYEE CITY OF RIVERSIDE
_______________________________ _________________________________ Lori K.M. Cox Patricia Lock Dawson
Mayor
_________________________________
Clarissa Cervantes
Mayor Pro Tem
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________________ _________________________________ City Clerk James Johnson
City Attorney
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