City Council may have passed every rezoning and annexation item on the agenda last night, but another issue is looming large.
Hardys contract renews yearly unless council gives six months notice; removal includes severance pay. Council approved a 6.17-acre residential annexation on Bemiss Road, expanding Valdostas footprint. Watch the video to see all the projects approved during the latest city council meeting. Valdosta Council Reviews Manager Contract as City Expands with New Annexation
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
The Valdosta City Council went into executive session after Tuesdays Work Session, sparking reports that the future of City Manager Richard Hardy may be under review.
While the city hasnt announced any firing or discipline, I requested Hardys personnel file and contract to see whats on the record.
Heres what I found: Hardys contract runs in five one-year terms that automatically renew unless council gives six months notice.
Hes required to live in Valdosta, oversee city departments, and undergo annual performance reviews.
If hes ever removed, he could be entitled to severance equal to a years salary, along with unused leave and benefits.
Those documents also show Hardy received a pay raise back in 2017 for what was described as excellent job performance in Public Works.
But beyond that? No disciplinary actions or memos related to his removal.
At this weeks council meeting, Hardy ended his managers report with thanks to his supporters.
I want to thank all of the support that I got from the community. I support myself. And the employees that worked hard every single day for the city, I just want to thank you for that support. It has not gone unnoticed.
That theme of unity echoed during Citizens to Be Heard, with residents urging council to stay focused on the citys future.
The call is clear. Lets move past division and focus on building the future this community deserves. We have been through enough.
And while those contract reports continue, council still pushed ahead with city business.
Leaders approved multiple rezonings including a 6.17-acre residential community along Bemiss Road, which was also annexed into the city, expanding Valdostas footprint and shaping its growth.
Council also greenlit bids for a grapple truck and a new chiller at the regional crime lab.
So while questions about leadership may linger, the work of running Valdosta rolls on. No official action has been taken on Hardys contract and for now, its the citys residents, neighborhoods, and future development that remain front and center.
Im Malia Thomas, reporting for ABC27.
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