In a five-to-three vote, the new Henderson City Council declined to re-appoint City Manager Eric Williams.
Before the matter was introduced to the council, Henderson Mayor Clem Seifert distributed a packet of documents to the members of the council.
Documents pertaining to a council session are generally distributed in advance of the meeting.
The documents, according to Seifert, were delivered to him at 7:20 p.m. A letter contained in the packet was not made available to the media, as well as the other contents of the envelope, because it contained confidential personnel materials, according to City Attorney John Zollicoffer.
Before the council took up the matter of re-appointments, council member Mary Emma Evans asked for five minutes to read the letter. Zollicoffer added a warning addressed to the new members of the council about discussing individual personnel in an open meeting.
The council paused to allow time for members to read the documents.
After the pause, council member Lynn Harper moved that Zollicoffer be re-appointed as City Attorney. That motion carried unanimously.
Council member Elissa Yount moved that the city not continue to employ Williams, citing a North Carolina General Statute to the effect that the city manager serves at the pleasure of the council. Her motion called for Williams’ immediate dismissal. She further stated that the city would comply with the terms of Williams’ contract, including severance. She also moved that Assistant City Manager Mark Warren be appointed as acting manager.
Council member Ranger Wilkerson seconded the motion.
Harper stated that the council did not make the motion to terminate Williams lightly. She stated that an attorney had been consulted.
Council member Lonnie Davis stated that the council had not done its duty. He told members that the council had not sat down and discussed anything. He indicated that Williams has received superior evaluations and that he could not support the measure.
Council member Garry Daeke, speaking to the council for the first time, told members that the motion had come as a shock to him. He said that he did not have enough information to make an informed decision regarding Williams’ re-appointment.
When the vote was taken, all council members except Daeke, Davis, and Bernard Alston supported Yount’s motion.
Williams showed no visible reaction as the vote was cast. He did not address the council and he continued to take notes throughout the ensuing discussion.
Williams had served as city manager for 23 years.
Yount distributed copies of directions she wished to be given to Warren to ensure a “courteous, business-like, and professional transition”. A copy of these instructions made available to Home in Henderson showed procedures for recovering city property and electronically stored information from Williams upon his separation, as well as keys, his city automobile, and a city credit card.
Davis stated that he had heard six months ago that the new council would fire Williams.
“This is a shameful act,” he said. “I just think it’s wrong. I’m appalled by it.”
Davis stated that a lot of thought had been put into Yount’s motion. He asked who had planned it.
“I wrote this,” Yount stated.
A motion to instruct Warren to carry out the instructions was introduced by Harper. It passed with Davis, Daeke, and Alston opposed.
At that point, Seifert recessed the council so that Warren could receive the instructions and take action.
During the recess, in an emotional high note, Accounting Supervisor Peggy McFarland leaned into the door of the council chamber and shouted, “You can have my damn job. This is the sorriest people I ever seen in my damn life.”
Evans asked the city clerk to record her resignation.
During the recess, Warren entered the council chambers and Williams was escorted to his office.
The council then returned to its scheduled business.