The Shadow
Covington City Council has approved a severance package with former City Manager Richard Douglas.
Council authorized Mayor Tom Sibold to sign off on a severance agreement with Douglas Tuesday afternoon during a called meeting.
Douglas submitted his resignation letter to city council Thursday, Jan. 31. His resignation was accepted by a vote of 4-1 with District 2 Councilman Allan Tucker dissenting.
The severance package was negotiated between Douglas, his representatives and Covington City Attorney Mark Popovich.
Douglas did not attend Tuesday’s brief meeting.
Douglas signified he agreed with and accepted the severance package when he signed off on it Feb. 19.
The agreement stated that the city of Covington will pay Douglas a severance allowance equal to six months salary and accrued unpaid leave.
Initially, Douglas was set to get five months of salary and accrued unpaid leave upon removal from his position.
When Douglas was terminated, he stated he would seek out an additional three months of salary.
In addition to the six months salary and accrued unpaid leave, all health benefits will be continued during that six-month period.
The severance will be paid during the city’s normal pay periods for six months following the date of Douglas’ resignation.
The accrued unpaid leave will be paid at a time to be determined following Tues-day’s meeting since it is now official following Sibold’s signature.
Some of the other caveats that must be followed per the agreement include:
— Non-Disparagement: Douglas and the city of Covington agree that they will not make any statements or representations that disparage, demean or impugn each other;
— Covenant Not to Sue: Douglas agrees that he will never sue, file a claim or grievance against or assert liability against the city of Covington.
Following the signing to approve the severance package agreement, Popovich was asked how it was determined that he get six months salary.
Popovich stated that Douglas’ termination date came on a work anniversary that indicated he held the position long enough to warrant receiving six months of salary as part of his severance package.
Following Douglas’ resignation, council named Clay Goodman as interim city manager. Goodman will serve until council hires a permanent city manager.
