Council changes mind, Williams is contracted
Marion City Council rescinded its motion Monday evening from a previous meeting that made the Marion Economic Development Director position an appointed position instead of a contract position.
Councilman Stacey Collett said he did not like the conditions of the previous contract because it would have provided the entire annual salary to director Jami Williams if she were terminated from her position.
During the public forum portion of the meeting, Darvin Markley said he didn't understand why Williams was under contract and not a city employee.
Collett responded that an appointed position would have city benefits, a contracted position does not.
Markley said Williams' wages could be reduced to cover benefit costs.
However, the new contract does provide city benefits, except health insurance. It also provides six weeks severance pay if Williams is terminated without just cause, no severance pay if Williams quits or is fired with just cause. The director also will receive a lump sum payment equal to the employee's accumulated vacation and compensatory time.
Another term of the contract is the governing body cannot terminate the director within three months following the date when any member of the council begins a regular term of office following an election.
The annual salary will be $49,968, and the contract stated Williams is expected to work more than 40 hours per week.
Collett made the motion to approve the contract with Jerry Kline seconding. The motion passed 5-0.
The contract is valid from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2007.
