The Powder Springs City Council voted 4-1 Monday both to change its charter regarding the city manager and issue a four-year employment contract with City Manager Pam Conner - both effective immediately.
Conner will continue to receive an annual salary of $105,000 with a $400 monthly car allowance.
While not against Conner, Councilwoman Nancy Hudson said she voted in opposition since she believed the new mayor and council should address this matter after they take office in January.
Now if Conner is removed by the new mayor and council before the end of her new four-year contract, she would receive three months of pay and benefits if removed “without cause” but no severance pay if removed for cause.
Hudson said the council members were not given Conner’s employment contract until their 6 p.m. pre-meeting, not giving her enough time to review the details.
On behalf of the city’s eight department heads, Powder Springs Police Chief John Robison read a letter in “complete support” of Conner, saying in part she is “truly an inspiration as a supervisor.”
Speaking for many residents in attendance, Marie Cetrulo said, “The citizens have nothing against Mrs. Conner. Why not wait until Jan. 1? Why is it so important that this be done now?”
Mayor Patricia Vaughn said Conner has wanted an employment contract and this charter change.
City Attorney Richard Calhoun said this charter change “is not that unusual at all.”
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