“ City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: OCTOBER 6, 2026 FROM: COUNCIL MEMBER STEVEN ROBILLARD WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR LORI K.M. COX TO SERVE
AS INSPECTOR GENERAL
ISSUE:
Approve the Employment Agreement between the City of Riverside and Lori K.M. Cox, setting forth the terms and conditions for their employment as the Inspector General.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern to execute the attached Employment Agreement with Lori K.M. Cox to begin employment on October 19, 2026.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council enlisted the services of an Executive Recruitment search firm to conduct a nationwide open recruitment for the Inspector General position in March 2026. After completing a thorough background check and other pre-employment screenings, a successful candidate was identified in September 2026.
DISCUSSION:
The City Council, after conducting a professional search for Inspector General candidates, has selected Lori K.M. Cox to serve as the City’s first Inspector General. Ms. Cox’s agreement provides for an annual salary of $219,000 plus additional negotiated fringe benefits as well as benefits provided to the Executive Group within the Fringe Benefit and Salary Plan. Ms. Cox passed a thorough background check, including a livescan and other pre-employment screenings as required by the City of Riverside for all new hires.
Inspector General ● Page 2
Ms. Cox brings to the City a wealth of knowledge and experience holding Chief Auditor positions and Compliance Officer in various public sector institutions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact. Position was funded and approved with the fiscal year 2026/27 budget.
Prepared by:
Steven Robillard, Council Member
Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Finance Director
Approved by: Edward Enriquez, Assistant City Manager/CFO/Treasurer Approved as to form: James Johnson, City Attorney
Attachments:
1. Employment Agreement – Lori K.M. Cox