Ferris City Council votes not to renew city secretary’s contract

FERRIS – Streaming live on Facebook, the Ferris City Council voted in a 3-2 vote Monday night not to renew City Secretary Callie Green’s contract.

During the motion made by Sherie Chapman, Alderman Place 5, and seconded by Michael Martinez, Alderman Place 2, Chapman suggested the city go in a different direction for the city secretary position.

Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Scott was the third “yes” vote to approve the motion.

Both Clayton Hunter, Alderman Place 1 and Jay Walsh, Alderman Place 4 voted against the motion.

City Attorney Michael Halla’s professional services agreement was also up for review.

Council voted to renew his contract for one-year with no severance should the contract be terminated before that time.

Other items on the executive session agenda included a discussion of the pending litigation made by former Ferris Police Chief Eduardo Salazar against the City of Ferris.

There was also a discussion of a potential land/building swap on South Central Street in Ferris.

Council voted in a unanimous vote on an action regarding the water and wastewater study conducted by Willdan, a utility consulting firm.

Council decided to go with alternate number two with an average account growth rate.

The impact on monthly charges with this change for residents would be roughly from the current rate of $83.99 for 5,000-gallon water/wastewater usage to $91.97 in October of this year, to about $122.65 by October 2024.

The benefits of the proposed rate plan would enable the utility to operate on a stand-alone basis – independent of general fund assistance, resulting in a financially-healthy utility that has the ability to fund operations and capital needs, ensure ratepayers pay only what it costs to provide water and wastewater service, and allow capital investment into the system to improve the quality of service and provide a well-functioning system for future generations.

Council also voted 5-0 vote to allow Primary Media to congratulate the Ferris High School Senior Class of 2020 on a billboard at Central and 6th Street.

The billboard was ordered removed in November, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic it will not be able to be removed until September.