City Management

Sequim, WA: (May-13-08) Sequim City Manager Bill Elliott brought charges against the city of Sequim, after he was fired early May 2008. His suit alleged wrongful termination. In its defense, the city stated that the manager's "laissez-faire" style was incompatible with the new majority in the city government, made up of four newcomers, Erik Erichsen, Ken Hays, Susan Lorenzen and Mayor Laura Dubois; and claimed that it was the time for a transition to new leadership. The city manager was accused of not providing adequate job descriptions for key staff positions and of having apparently neglected to document performance standards and goals for city employees.

As part of a settlement reached between the two sides, city official announced that the city will pay $152,318.52 to Elliott to resolve allegations. City records indicate that Elliott's severance package includes 12 months' salary, $96,324.80; plus 90 days' pay and benefits, $26,675.49. Also included is payment for 457 hours of accrued vacation, $21,183.58; a 50 % payout for 308 hours of sick time, $7,134.75; and his $250-per-month car allowance through August 2008, totaling $1,000. In exchange, Elliott promised to neither sue nor disparage city officials. [PENINSULA DAILY NEWS: SEQUIM PAYS $152,318 TO OUSTED CITY MANAGER]

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Published on May-16-08