Montpelier’s City Council has recently been embroiled in controversy surrounding the departure of longtime City Manager Bill Fraser. The councilors gathered in a special meeting on February 19 to ratify the decision to end Fraser’s employment contract, a move that was initially approved by a unanimous vote but ultimately passed by a split vote.
On that fateful day, two councilors expressed regret and voted against ratification, while the other four doubled down on their decision. The crux of the issue lies in the fact that Fraser had already made it known that he was planning to retire soon, making the termination of his contract seem unnecessary. If he had been allowed to retire as planned, the substantial severance package and associated costs triggered by the contract’s termination could have been avoided.
Fraser’s employment agreement, which was valid from February 23, 2022, through March 1, 2026, outlined the conditions that would trigger a severance payout. According to the contract, Fraser would be entitled to a substantial lump sum payment if his contract was ended prematurely, even if he was willing and able to continue working. In this case, his involuntary nonrenewal in February 2025 entitled him to a full year’s salary, health insurance, and other benefits, totaling $236,775.
The decision to part ways with Fraser has sparked a lively public debate, with residents expressing a wide range of opinions on the matter. Some have raised concerns about the amount of money being spent on the severance package, while others have praised the council for their courage in making a difficult decision. The issue has divided the community, with some viewing Fraser as a scapegoat for the city’s problems and others calling for new leadership to usher in a fresh start.
During the council meeting, Mayor Jack McCullough emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in explaining the decision to the public. Councilors were given the opportunity to share their reasons for supporting or opposing the termination of Fraser’s contract, shedding light on their individual perspectives and motivations.
Councilor Cary Brown expressed regret over her decision to support the termination, highlighting her initial preference for Fraser to retire on his own terms. She praised Fraser for his years of service and dedication to the community, acknowledging his exemplary leadership qualities. Similarly, Councilor Lauren Hierl commended Fraser for his contributions to Montpelier and expressed disappointment in the handling of his departure.
However, not all council members shared these sentiments. Councilor Adrienne Gil took a firm stance in favor of ending Fraser’s contract, citing the need for new leadership and term limits to prevent stagnation. She criticized the severance terms of Fraser’s agreement as excessive and emphasized the importance of making a business decision rather than a personal one.
As the debate unfolded, members of the public also weighed in on the matter, offering a diverse range of opinions and perspectives. Some expressed concern over the financial implications of the severance package, while others called for a fresh start with a new city manager. The discussion highlighted the complex nature of the decision and the varying viewpoints within the community.
In response to questions and criticisms from the public, Fraser defended the terms of his agreement and clarified that the severance payment would only be triggered in the event of an involuntary departure. He emphasized the legal framework governing public employee contracts and reiterated that the council had the final say in determining the outcome.
In the end, the council voted to ratify the separation agreement, with some members expressing reservations about the decision while others stood firm in their support. The contentious debate surrounding Fraser’s departure underscores the challenges of leadership transitions and the importance of open dialogue in municipal governance.
The decision to part ways with a longstanding city manager has sparked public debate and divided the community, underscoring the complexities of leadership changes in local government. As Montpelier navigates this transition, residents and councilors alike are grappling with the implications of their decisions and the path forward for the city.
