The Amarillo City Council voted to accept now former City Manager Grayson Path’s resignation. But it didn’t come without some controversy.
A few citizens expressed concern over how the resignation was accepted and discussed specifically targeting the Executive Session convened last Wednesday. Following the public comment, Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley took time to clarify that Path tendered his resignation, it was not asked for, suggesting it was a “mutual agreement, a mutual separation.”
After his comments, Mayor Stanley asked for a motion to pass the Consent Agenda - including the item involving Path’s resignation. A motion and a second were made and all voted in favor. Well, not all.
Immediately after the vote was taken, Councilman Les Simpon opened his mic, “I just want to say for the record that with the approval of today’s 6.42 agenda item the City will have spent more than $1.2 million on separation costs for two City Managers in three years.” He continued, “$891,731.00 for Jared Miller, $342,265.00 for Grayson Path. I vote no.”
Rather than an Interim Manager, Deputy City Manager/COO Andrew Freeman will serve as the Acting City Manager.