Lebanon will be searching for a new city manager after Gary Marks stepped down Aug. 29 following a City Council request for his resignation.
The Lebanon City Council met Aug. 29 in executive session, which is closed to the public, for nearly two hours to consider “the dismissal or disciplining of or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent who does not request an open hearing.”
Convening in open session, Marks addressed the council: “I respectfully submit my resignation as city manager of Lebanon. It’s been my privilege to serve as your city manager, and I will remember our work here always.”
Council members unanimously accepted Marks’ resignation.
“It’s a personnel decision,” said City Attorney Tre Kennedy.
He said he could not discuss the cause, but the council requested the resignation.
Marks had been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 15.
“Gary did a good job in serving the community in the years he was here, and we’re really sorry to see him go,” said Mayor Paul Aziz following the council meeting.
“I’m sorry to see Gary go,” said Council President Jason Bolen. “He’s definitely left his mark. He’s been very well loved by the citizens and the council.”
Marks was hired as city manager in 2014 after serving as city manager in Ketchum, Idaho since 2008.
Engineering Services Director Ron Whitlach has been serving as acting city manager since Marks was placed on leave.
During its regular meeting Wednesday, Sept. 10, the council approved a severance agreement with Gary Marks who resigned at the council’s request on Aug. 29.
The agreement reflects what is included in the city’s contract with Marks, Kennedy said.
Under the agreement he will be paid $96,470.01, which is equivalent to six months salary and insurance benefits. The amount will be divided into monthly payments during the next six months.
Aziz said the plan is to put the search for a new city manager on the agenda for the City Council’s regular meeting on Oct. 9.