Phoenix, Ore. — Phoenix City Manager Jamie Mcleod was fired after a 3-2 vote in a city council meeting Wednesday night.
Jamie Mcleod said it came as a shock last night. She said the council’s given her nothing but positive feedback during her time as city manager.
The community members that attended the meeting last night say they left in anger and now.
“We are beyond words, upset with our city management,” said Judy Grillo, Phoenix resident.
Grillo is referring to the recent turn of events in the City of Phoenix’s administration.
“It was a shock,” said Jamie Mcleod.
An unexpected decision for not only Jamie Mcleod but for the community as well.
“They get rid of the one person that’s been professional – and that’s Jamie,” said Grillo.
Professionalism was one of the reasons the team hiring Jamie chose her last fall, over other candidates.
“She had a lot of knowledge, came across as very capable, the employees loved her, and really felt that they were supportive of her like she would be a good fit for us,” said Carolyn Bartell. Bartell was a city councilor for eight years, and has seen city managers come and go.
“You do your best job interviewing, I think each hire, we felt was a good fit and the right people. But I think when it’s not a good fit, it’s good for both sides to move on,” Bartell said.
Though the years it seems turning over city managers has become a trend.
“You just have to do a Google search on the city – this seems to happen every couple years. I was very optimistic coming in, I thought I could bring a level of professionalism and change the culture. But I didn’t get a lot of support from the mayor and that often has a lot of impact,” said Mcleod.
NBC5 reached out to the mayor for additional comments, though he could only read a prepared statement. That statement read:
“The council has decided to release the city manager for convenience pursuant to the terms of her employment agreement. We appreciate all the department heads stepping up to express their opinions. Each of them has shown great courage and leadership. While we have determined that the current management approach is not a good fit for our city, we are thankful for her efforts and remain impressed with her talents and abilities. We wish her the best of luck.”
Mcleod was hired last October, several months after the city manager before her was fired as well.
Phoenix mayor, Chris Luz, said the process has already begun to explore considering an interim city manager.
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