In what many had thought would be a night to finally wrestle the city budget, Tuesday night city council members instead took down one of their own — City Administrator Judy Brigham.
Oh, yes, they passed the tardy budget — in about two seconds — after weeks of questioning Brigham and her staff about their “shady numbers.” Seems they weren’t that concerned with the accounting after all, but more about painting Brigham in a bad light.
Trustees spent almost 90 minutes of executive sessions to discuss Brigham’s seemingly questionable service. After all, she’s been with the city only 32 years.
With just 12 work days shy of qualifying for full benefits, Brigham was given the boot.
Who does such things?
Was she an immediate threat to the city’s security? Did they discover some hidden plot?
What on earth — after three decades within City Hall — could commissioners have discovered that warranted her immediate dismissal?
Come Sept. 16, Brigham was due to retire. Since the hiring of Carl Slaugh, her replacement, the two administrators have been joined at the hip as Brigham has been walking him through the many duties of the post.
Who could blame him if he now has second thoughts about accepting the position.
As is typical of Judy, she gave Slaugh her spacious office upon his July 25 arrival. Since then she has willingly played second fiddle. Her “new” desk was tucked away in a corner behind receptionist Kara Godfrey.
GOOD BUSINESS practices include alerting people if they are failing at their jobs. You record mistakes and follow-up conversations with the employee. You give ample time for improvement. Then, if still not satisfied, a two-week notice of their dismissal is in line, or at least a two-week severance pay.
Brigham got nothing.
No warning, no proof of dissatisfaction, no “package.”
In fact, because of the terminology of her dismissal, Brigham will be losing about $40,000 in benefits had she been able to fulfill her contract within the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System.
IOLANS deserve to know why someone who has dedicated their career to the good of the city, was treated so poorly.
— Susan Lynn
