“Generally when people ask about it I refer them directly to the law itself, where subdivision 1 of § 2.2-3705.1 provides that ‘No provision of this chapter or any provision of Chapter 38 (§ 2.2-3800 et seq.) shall be construed as denying public access to (i) contracts between a public body and its officers or employees, other than contracts settling public employee employment disputes held confidential as personnel records under § 2.2-3705.1.’”

Mayor Walker, one of the two “no” votes, argued in August that the decision should be delayed so that negotiations could continue. And she was concerned about a lack of transparency.

In the weeks leading up to the approval of the contract, the council had extended a job offer to an outside candidate for the position.

Sidney Zemp, a recently retired Army officer, declined to take the job after Walker publicly opposed him for the post.

Uncertain about job security, Murphy negotiated safeguards for his retirement benefits. Uncomfortable with those terms in the contract, Walker disagreed with the city attorney’s office when it said the law gives localities discretion to withhold details about retirement benefits outlined in contracts.