Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts find themselves at odds again, this time over whether the interim city manager should sign a contract with an end date in July.
Witts proposed having Roy Whitehead, who is serving as the city's police chief and interim city manager, enter into a contract with Snellville that includes an end date of July 6, City Council approval for expenses above regular operating costs, and restrictions against hiring and firing city staff.
Witts said he suggested an end date because the council expects to review a list of candidates for the full-time job in June and select one prior to July 6.
"I think it’s bad business to have someone in that position with no contract," Witts said Monday.
He raised concerns about the contract at the council's agenda session, minutes before the regular council meeting.
At the Monday work session Kautz pushed back against Witts' call for a contract, saying it would only be necessary if Whitehead was asking for more compensation. She also pointed out Whitehead would have to be fired and then rehired if forced to sign a contract. Later in the work session, Kautz and Witts clashed over details of the proposed contract.
The issue will be revisited at the next council meeting.
It was the latest chapter in a conflict between Witts and Kautz dating back to when Kautz narrowly was elected over a Witts-backed candidate.
Many of Kautz's appointments and nominations have met resistance from the council, which includes three other members who supported her opponent in the election.
Kautz tabbed Whitehead as the interim city manager and his nomination was unanimously approved April 9 after some initial opposition.
Councilman Bobby Howard said city employees could work without a city manager for two months, while Councilman Dave Emanuel said he didn't want to place Whitehead in a precarious position if there was a "perfect storm" of disastrous events.
"I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the chief," Emanuel said. "But what you're telling the citizens is either we don't need a city manager or we don't need a police chief."
Whitehead said he had no problem signing a contract.
"I have a heart of service," Whitehead said. "Whatever they need me to do, I'll do."
About the Author
