FREMONT, Neb. (AP) - The mayor of Fremont has blocked an effort to fire two top city employees, arguing it violates Nebraska state law and city codes.
The Fremont Tribune reports that City Council member Susan Jacobus submitted a resolution to terminate the contracts of City Administrator Brian Newton and Assistant City Administrator Shane Wimer.
Fremont Mayor Scott Getzschman voided the resolution at a council meeting Tuesday night, noting that city administrators are appointed by the mayor and can remain on the job for as long as the mayor is serving. Getzschman said they can be removed by the mayor, with majority approval from the City Council. His argument was backed by the city attorney.
Jacobus said a different attorney advised her the council could override the mayor’s decision to keep the city administrator. City Attorney Mark Enenbach said city officials could discuss the matter more at another meeting when her attorney could be present.
Getzschman said the attempt to fire Wimer was also illegal because he was hired by city staff, not the council, and is protected under the city’s human resources policy.
Jacobus said citizens asked her to bring the resolution because they’ve had “some issues of concern” with the city, but declined to elaborate.
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Information from: Fremont Tribune, http://www.fremontneb.com
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