Oakland commission accepts town manager resignation, appoints Elise as interim and moves to terminate without cause

The Town of Oakland commission voted Tuesday to accept the town manager’s resignation and named Elise interim town manager while also moving to terminate the manager without cause after the manager signaled he preferred termination.

Mayor Taylor opened the meeting by saying the manager had verbally agreed to resign and that a draft resignation letter, prepared by the town attorney, included release provisions and compensation aligned with the manager’s agreement. The commission approved a motion to accept the resignation and give the manager 48 hours to submit a signed written resignation; the mayor said failure to return the letter within that window would convert the action to a termination. The measure passed by voice vote.

The commission then moved to appoint Elise as interim town manager until a permanent replacement is found; that motion passed by voice vote. Shortly afterward, the commission announced it had received a text from the manager, Andy, stating, "I would prefer the commission to go ahead, terminate me without cost." The commission then moved and approved a termination without cause.

Several commissioners said they were uncomfortable voting without seeing written documentation and requested more time to perform due diligence. One commissioner asked whether 48 hours was adequate and suggested a longer deadline; the town attorney advised how to amend the motion but the commission proceeded with the 48-hour window before later approving termination following the manager’s text.

During public comment, a resident asked the commission to confirm a formal written resignation with an effective date be placed on the public record to trigger any contractual or charter processes. The commission indicated the town attorney had drafted a resignation letter designed to protect the town.

The commission did not provide a roll-call tally in the transcript for the motions; votes were recorded by voice as "ayes" prevailing when announced. Elise assumes the interim role while the town searches for a permanent manager.

Next steps: commission staff said they would proceed with the interim appointment and any administrative steps necessary to implement the termination and succession.