UPDATE: The council decided to grant Whitaker a $105,000 severance package and six months of health insurance, but was not offered a renewed contract.
The staff of the Town of Summerfield collectively resigned. They said they aren't happy that the town council isn't bringing back town manager Scott Whitaker.
The Mayor of Summerfield, Tim Sessoms, said many of those who resigned have already accepted other jobs.
The staff wrote in a statement, "If they had treated Scott with the dignity and respect he has earned after 12 faithful years as Manager, let him go with his severance from the very beginning, and allowed his wife to continue her cancer treatments with insurance, we would have been sad to see him go; but we would have remained."
Sessoms, told WFMY News 2 that four council members decided not to renew Whitaker's contract after allegedly saying a new one could be negotiated.
At the end of a closed session meeting Monday, council decided to grant Whitaker a $105,000 severance package and six months of health insurance, but was not offered a renewed contract.
Councilman Jon Hamilton said he believes the town staff resignations are in part, politically motivated. He wrote in part, "I see this as a great opportunity for Summerfield. With our current town manager's contract ending soon, we will be able to hire a new town manager who can start fresh."
Read Councilman Jon Hamilton's full statement here:
While I believe the resignations were at least in part politically motivated, I see this as a great opportunity for Summerfield. With our current town manager's contract ending soon, we will be able to hire a new town manager who can start fresh. This transition will allow that manager to carefully assemble a dedicated team committed to serving Summerfield while also forming a cohesive staff that is essential for effective governance. I believe this is going to position our town for success.
During this transition, I want the General Assembly to know that our town is still unified in our fight against de-annexation. I especially want the people of Summerfield to know that my commitment to serving our residents remains unwavering and that I'm proud of our current council. Lynne Devaney's tireless efforts, Heath Clay's genuine interest in all aspects of the town, and Janelle Robinson's inquisitive nature - all contribute to the effective representation of our residents.
We have such a wonderful and supportive community here in Summerfield. I've already had multiple citizens volunteer to step in as we move forward, and I am confident that our town won't miss a beat. I am grateful for our residents and ask that we continue to stand united in working together for the betterment of Summerfield.
Scott Whitaker, Town Manager statement:
The collective “quit” was humbling. It’s been an honor to work with this dedicated team and I want the best for them all in their next chapter.
Employee morale was low and I knew some were job-searching. I expected some resignations, but a full exodus is a rare and bold posturing of support. I’m still reflecting on that!
Summerfield has a full rebuilding of staff ahead and hopefully the right professionals can be recruited for a new administration.
Dee Hall, Finance Officer statement:
Although we are glad the Council finally gave him half what his severance package calls for, we are very sad that it took thousands of dollars spent on attorneys and over three months for them to do so. It’s a false narrative that the staff resigned to “blackmail” them into doing the right thing. We made the decision to leave together because of how Scott was treated both in public and behind closed doors, and because of how we have been treated as staff.
We purposely waited to announce our departures until after Founders’ Day, the town’s biggest event each year. We didn’t want to overshadow the festivities, and we worked hard to put together a great weekend for the citizens, as we do year after year.
Councilmember Jonathan Hamilton made a press release yesterday morning stating that it was a positive thing for the town that we had all resigned and they already have volunteers lined up to replace us. Therefore, as I am not needed, I will be leaving sooner than I had anticipated. I plan to stay until Scott and the rest of the staff are gone and my last day will be June 13.
It’s a sad and difficult time for us and for the town, but we are at complete peace with our decision. Our Parks and Rec Director, Jeff Goard, purchased us t-shirts to wear at Founders’ Day that said, “Ohana means family” on the back. It’s a quote from Lilo & Stitch: “Ohana means family and family means nobody no body is left behind or forgotten.”
When we said we were family, we meant it.
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