The Powder Springs City Council voted 4-1 Monday, Oct. 19, in the first of two votes to change its charter regarding the city manager.
Opposed were Councilwoman Nancy Hudson, saying she was told this issue could not be tabled at her request until the new mayor and council take office in January, and most of the 50 residents in attendance who booed the council following their vote.
Resident Marie Cetrulo spoke before the council, questioning the motive, the timing and binding the new mayor and council that would be against state law when the city has had five city managers in the past 10 years.
Not seeking another term, Mayor Patricia Vaughn said the purpose is to offer competitive employment contracts and she debunked a rumor that she planned to take over as city manager, saying City Manager Pam Conner is “excellent.”
Instead Vaughn said she plans to serve as a full-time volunteer with the American Cancer Society and other nonprofits as a way to give back, following her “different health issues over the past year.”
The third reading and vote will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 2 in the Council Chambers, Community Development building, 4488 Pineview Drive.
Now the city manager, who is appointed by the mayor and council, may serve “for an indefinite term” and, if removed, “may receive only his salary until the effective date of removal.”
The changes would be a term limit of four years for the city manager whose contract could be renewed by mutual agreement of the city council and the city manager for no more than 90 days.
If removed by the city “without cause,” the city manager will receive “a severance payment of salary and benefits” for those three additional months.
Upon removal “for cause,” the city manager would not receive any severance pay of salary or benefits.
If approved on Nov. 2, this charter change will become effective immediately.
About the Author
