The fire chief and city clerk both have indicated plans to retire soon, according to an agenda report for next week’s city council meeting.
Fire Chief Mike O’Connor returned to the job last week after six weeks on paid administrative leave while an outside investigator examined allegations from the fire union of nepotism toward his son, previously a reserve in the local department.
O’Connor and City Clerk Geri Johnson are both on the list of nine employees who accepted participation in a “voluntary separation incentive program” offering a lump sum of $25,000 plus $500 for each year of service with the city.
Council members in November approved a $497,858 allocation for the payouts and other costs, such as vacation accruals.
The council at next Monday’s 6:30 p.m. meeting at Hollister City Hall, 375 Fifth St., is set to give direction on the potential of hiring an executive search firm to help fill the roles along with a vacant development services position.
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