The Old Blog in the Desert

During a Reno City Council meeting on Wednesday, August 28, a seemingly innocuous consent item sparked debate after Councilman Devon Reese proposed an amendment to item B.19., addressing management benefits for employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, with Reese adding a provision granting a six months severance pay and benefits to Assistant City Managers (ACMs) if terminated without cause after the appointment of a new city manager.

Reese explained that the measure aimed to “reduce their anxiety” by offering financial protection. Council member Kathleen Taylor seconded the motion.

However, Councilwoman Meghan Ebert was the lone dissenting voice, arguing that termination risk comes with the territory of high-level positions. She questioned whether similar protections would eventually be extended to other appointed positions and expressed concern the decision was made without input from the city manager.

Despite Ebert’s objections, the motion passed, raising questions about the relationship between council members and city staff. In an email response, Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus expressed skepticism, stating that these “golden parachute” provisions could hinder a new city manager’s ability to make necessary changes within the leadership team.

Brekhus suggested that such provisions could deter qualified candidates for the city manager position, signaling undue influence from the Mayor and Council in city administrative operations.

The decision comes after former City Manager Doug Thornley’s resignation earlier this year following a travel expense scandal. An investigation revealed questionable travel reimbursements for several council members, including Reese, Taylor, and Councilman Oscar Delgado Martinez. Thornley, whose salary and benefits amounted to nearly $350,000 in 2021, left amid scrutiny over his approval of travel expenses, some of which were deemed extravagant or unnecessary.

Reese is currently under investigation by the Nevada Commission on Ethics for possible violations, including using his position to secure unwarranted privileges. The investigation followed reports of city-funded trips where Reese rented a car and traveled extensively despite staying at a hotel where the conference he attended was being held. Martinez also faced ethics complaints over his travel expenses, which led him to reimburse the city $1,844.70.

Assistant City Managers have typically been at-will employees without severance protections. However, with this newly passed resolution, they will now receive severance benefits if terminated without cause. The move has stirred concerns among residents and critics, who view it as an example of the City Council and top staff growing too closely aligned, particularly ahead of upcoming elections in November where Reese, Taylor, and Martinez are all up for re-election.

City of Reno media representative Rebecca Venis confirmed the addition to the resolution, noting that severance benefits will now apply to three ACMs. The move follows last year’s decision to award Thornley a $20,000 bonus and better severance terms shortly before his departure.