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Council adopts resolution requiring council approval for separation agreements above manager authority
Summary
Council passed Resolution 26-721 directing the city manager to seek council approval before executing separation agreements that require funding above the city manager’s purchasing authority; city attorney advised the resolution complies with the charter and concentrates on fiscal oversight.
The Independence City Council voted 7-0 on Resolution 26-721 to require the city manager to obtain council approval before executing any separation agreement that commits funding beyond the city manager’s purchasing authority. The measure excludes amounts employees are entitled to under the city’s personnel policies.
Resident Laura Dominic urged council to use the exact language of the personnel policies and noted the manual does not define a "separation agreement," arguing that the council’s authority is limited by the charter. Councilmember Stewart introduced the resolution and asked City Attorney Cover whether the measure falls within the council’s authority; the attorney said yes, describing it as a fiscal check that does not impede the city manager’s administrative authority except where funding thresholds are involved.
City Manager Anderson and City Attorney Cover confirmed the resolution aims to create checks and balances related to the funding portion of separation agreements rather than to alter existing personnel rules or appointment authorities. After discussion and follow-up clarifications, council adopted the resolution unanimously.
Next steps: The resolution directs the city manager to seek council approval for qualifying separation agreements; the personnel board and city manager retain their roles under the charter.
