CHANUTE — Chanute’s city manager, Luke Lewis, was fired Monday night.
The decision, following an executive session, was on a 4-1 vote by commissioners, the Chanute Tribune reported.
Lewis was hired on Jan. 13 and began his duties on Feb. 24.
Lewis, who was being paid $96,000 a year, will receive a six-month severance package. Rick Willis, information technology director, will serve as temporary manager until an interim manager is named, probably before month’s end.
“Over the past several months many red flags have appeared,” Mayor Greg Woodyard told the Tribune. “It was my opinion to give (Lewis) more time through the budget cycle to see if things would level out. After having multiple issues brought not only to myself but all of the commission, an evaluation and decision had to be made for the best interest of our community.”
Commissioner Martha McCoy said Lewis “was not a good communicator. The person in that position must be able to communicate with everyone. This was not a snap decision.”
Chanute manager fired
