City Manager’s Fate Hangs in Balance: Decision Pending on William Fraser’s Job Status
Montpelier City Manager William “Bill” Fraser faces a critical moment in his 30-year tenure as he awaits the outcome of tonight’s city council meeting on February 12. The meeting, scheduled to determine his job status, comes on the heels of a special session held on February 5 solely for the purpose of evaluating Fraser’s performance. However, the council adjourned without reaching a decision on whether to extend or terminate his employment contract, leaving Fraser in a state of uncertainty.
During the February 5 meeting, council members convened in an executive session but emerged without a clear resolution regarding Fraser’s future in the role he has held since 1995. In an email to city employees on February 12, Fraser expressed his anticipation of a potential contract termination by the council. Despite the looming decision, he hinted at the possibility of remaining in his position or transitioning to another role until June 30, pending the council’s official vote. Fraser mentioned that preparations, including legal consultations for a separation agreement, were underway, signaling a possible conclusion to his long-standing tenure.
Acknowledging the council’s deliberations, Fraser conveyed gratitude for the candid conversations held during the executive session on February 5. Mayor Jack McCullough, after the council’s return to public session without commenting on Fraser or his contract, proposed seeking legal counsel regarding the city manager’s employment agreement. Councilor Adrienne Gil’s request for legal advice, documented in the meeting agenda, underscored the complexity of Fraser’s contractual arrangements and the implications of any potential modifications.
The existing agreement between Montpelier and Fraser, effective from March 1, 2022, until March 1, 2026, outlined his annual base salary, which increased from $136,490 to $154,444 by the fiscal year 2023. Notably, Fraser is obligated to utilize his personal vehicle for both personal and professional travel, with provisions for mileage reimbursement at the established IRS rate for business-related trips. Furthermore, he is contractually obligated to procure and maintain a smartphone and iPad, covering all associated monthly fees personally, in addition to receiving benefits commensurate with other city employees.
Despite the contractual specifics, Fraser’s continued tenure remains uncertain pending the council’s decision. The Bridge, in an attempt to delve deeper into the situation post-meeting, encountered limited information on the matter. Mayor McCullough emphasized the confidentiality of executive session discussions and the legal requirement for council decisions to be made publicly, offering minimal insights into the ongoing deliberations. Fraser echoed this sentiment by refraining from detailed comments, underscoring the sensitivity and confidentiality surrounding the impending decision.
As the fate of City Manager William Fraser hangs in the balance, Montpelier residents and city employees await the outcome of tonight’s crucial city council meeting, where the future of a 30-year municipal stalwart will be decided. The intricate interplay of contractual intricacies, legal consultations, and council deliberations underscores the gravity of the decision, with implications extending beyond individual roles to the broader fabric of municipal governance. Stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds, shedding light on the outcome of this pivotal juncture in Montpelier’s civic landscape.
