Late Wednesday afternoon the separation agreement between the Bryan City Council and former City Manager David Watkins was released by City Hall staff.
Watkins will continue a relationship with the city as a consultant for the Mayor and City Council through January 3, 2011.
An Open Records request has been made, attempting to determine the total dollar value of Watkins’ package.
Watkins will receive two more paychecks as a fulltime city employee through September 30, 2010.
Then Watkins will start receiving his severance pay. It’s a combination of salary, car allowance, vacation days, sick leave days, floating holidays, and other benefits.
The agreement also includes Watkins receiving a positive reference letter signed by Mayor Jason Bienski.
There is also a gag order preventing all parties from making any comments. The confidentiality clause also states in part that Watkins agrees “not to make any statements or give any opinions concerning matters of city business while serving as City Manager which cast the City in a negative light.”
Perhaps a hint as to what was going on behind the scenes was found in the Mayor’s reference letter:
“David Watkins has asked the tough questions about ways to streamline operations and cut duplicative services in all departments. The recession and tight budgets have created awareness of the city council that hard choices have to be made. Our community like all others across the country has faced challenging economic times. Sometimes these situations can create a desire for a change in direction.”
Click below to read the details.