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City Council members have unanimously voted to release Tom Mattis as the city manager in response to an undisclosed internal matter, city officials said.
The decision followed a special meeting Nov. 26, primarily spent in executive session, to deliberate the employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of the now-former city manager.
Mattis, who was hired for the job in 2016, remained unavailable for comment at press time.
Officials would only say the move was prompted by an “HR matter,” or human relations.
Council members said they could not comment on personnel issues. No other reasons for the release were provided.
After the hourlong discussion behind closed doors, leaders on the dais emerged and Councilman Al Rodriguez motioned to approve a separation- and-release agreement, authorizing Mayor Theresa McShan to relieve Mattis on behalf of the council. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
“We are most appreciative and proud of the work that our former city manager has done,” McShan said Monday morning. “We are most confident that our excellent city staff will continue their amazing and professional work.”
At deadline, an interim city manager had not been named, but a decision could come during a meeting this week, according to the mayor.
“The council plans to hold a nationwide search for a new city manager,” McShan added.
Not addressed during the Nov. 26 session was an agenda item regarding labor agreements with Elgin’s Senior Management Team amid the “apparent upcoming change in city managers.”
The resolution, which would cover the city secretary and directors of public works, human resources, economic development and community services, is aimed at providing job security during this transitionary period and helping safeguard the stability of city operations, municipal officials said.
According to meeting documents, “current circumstances” have raised concern among the management team — as under the present system, any future city manager or acting city manager could terminate their employment without cause.
The agenda item recognized that the Senior Management Team will play a critical role for the city as it maintains and transitions operations, and the limited protection would include severance compensation if they were terminated without cause.
“We are most confident that our excellent city staff will continue their amazing and professional work.”
— Mayor Theresa McShan
