By Jason Nevel
Herald Staff Writer
June 24, 2009 10:16 am
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CLINTON — Clinton will soon be looking for a new person to manage the city’s business.
A divided Clinton City Council accepted the resignation of city administrator Gary Boden on a 4-3 vote Tuesday. Boden will receive a six-month severance package worth about $56,000 as set out in his contract.
“Obviously, I'm disappointed but given the obvious division of the council it's just difficult for me to continue on with this role,” said Boden, who came to Clinton from Whitewater, Wis., two years ago.
The council met behind closed doors for more than one hour Tuesday to discuss the resignation, which was submitted Friday, and emerged with opposing views about Boden.
At-large councilman Ron Mallicoat said he voted to accept the resignation because it was in the best interest of the people of Clinton.
“I have been elected three times by citizens to be a good custodian of their interests and tax dollars and that's exactly what I was doing,” Mallicoat said.
Bette Oakley, at-large councilwoman, said the council should have retained Boden.
“I'm disappointed,” she said. “On the whole, (Boden) has done a good job and he has got Clinton moving again.”
Second Ward councilman Mike Kearney and First Ward councilman Bob Soesbe also voted against the resignation. Mark Vulich, at-large; Darrell Smith, Third Ward; and Paul Gassman, Fourth Ward, joined Mallicoat in supporting the resignation.
Clinton Mayor Rodger Holm would not comment on the subject because it’s a personnel issue.
By rule, city attorney Paul Walter will assume Boden’s duties and salary of $113,457 per year until a new administrator is hired. As city attorney Walter earned $46,666 per year.
Kearney was the lone “no” vote on approving Walter’s new compensation.
“(Boden) came to the table with a great deal of experience,” said Kearney, who also voted against accepting the resignation.
“To say that the city attorney would have comparable experience makes no sense,” Kearney said.
Boden will remain city administrator until July 31 but can take paid vacation time up until then. After that, he said he is looking for a new employer and is uncertain about what the next step is.
“I wish Clinton the best and I think it has a good future,” he said.
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