Even with one public comment from a citizen (concerning a separate issue), Fairfield Council members took less than three minutes to approve agenda item no. 3 and adjourn Monday’s noon Special Called Meeting.
With a motion made by Councilman Place 2 – Arland Thill, and seconded by Councilman Place 1 – James Tyus, the resignation letter of former City Administrator Nate Smith was accepted, along with a corresponding separation agreement.
Smith’s letter reads, “Per the terms of the negotiated separation agreement offered to me on February 28, 2023, I hereby resign from the position of City Administration effective immediately. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you, the City Council, and the citizens of Fairfield, Texas.”
Smith’s resignation letter was dated March 1, 2023.
The motion was approved unanimously, with all council members present, during the March 6, 2023 Open Meeting.
Just one day prior to his resignation, during a Special Called Meeting on February 28th, the former City Administrator Smith was listed on the agenda for a closed executive session concerning Personnel (Sec. 551.074).
This section of the Texas Government Code includes a range of matters — including the Appointment, Employment, Evaluation,
Reassignment, Duties, Discipline or Dismissal — of a Public Officer or Employee. A City Administrator serves as both an officer and an employee.
Smith joined the City of Fairfield in the Spring of 2019 following a three-year stint with the City of Palestine as Assistant to their City Administrator.
According to a written statement from Fairfield Mayor Kenneth Hughes, Smith was hired effective March 12, 2019 under a contract for a two-year term. In March 2021, that contract was extended for an additional two years.
“Mr. Smith’s departure from the City is amicable,” said Mayor Hughes. “The City Council and staff wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
According to the Employee Separation Agreement between the City and its former Administrator, Smith will received seven (7) months wages and benefits as a salaried employee, in exchange for his resignation and a mutual release by both parties.
Separation payments will be disbursed by the City incrementally during standard pay periods through the end of the City’s fiscal year, September 30, 2023.
Smith will also be compensated, per City policy, for any accrued vacation leave that has not already been taken.
According to this agreement, it is the City’s agreement that Smith leaves his employment “in good standing and not because of any pending formal or final disciplinary actions or documented performance problems.”
The City of Fairfield agrees to provide the former City Administrator with a Letter of Reference to prospective employers, upon request.
Both parties agree not to pursue any legal proceedings involving Smith’s termination of employment.
The written agreement also stipulates that neither party will make statements or grant interviews that would be “disparaging to the character or degrading to the reputation” to either Smith, the City of Fairfield, or the City’s management.
According to City Secretary Misty Richardson, upon acceptance of Smith’s resignation, Mayor Hughes will serve the City of Fairfield as acting City Administrator.
Council is expected to address the matter at a later date.
The next Regular Scheduled Meeting of Fairfield City Council is set for Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
Postings of Open Meetings, corresponding agendas, and subsequent minutes may be found online at fairfieldtexas.com
