The Kennesaw City Council on Monday voted against renewing City Manager Steve Kennedy’s contract after several council members questioned his leadership during the council’s controversial vote in November against an Islamic prayer center. The council changed the vote in December to allow the mosque in a strip shopping center.

The council tabled a decision on his job twice in January.

The council earlier agreed to renew Debra Taylor’s position as city clerk, but held off on the 11-year city manager’s position. Kennedy’s salary is $116,085 and his contract ends this month. The council appoints both city manager and city clerk positions annually.

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez