The employment of City Administrator John Webb was terminated Tuesday night by the Clarendon Board of Aldermen.
Mayor Chris Ford told the Enterprise the board’s decision was “based on a lack of confidence in (Webb’s) ability to perform the duties of city administrator.”
The decision came during a called meeting of the board the Enterprise learned about late Tuesday night, and Alderman Will Thompson confirmed that evening that the board voted 3-2 to remove Webb. Thompson said he and Alderman Ann Huey voted against the measure and that Aldermen Larry Hicks, Tommy Hill, and Kyle Davis voted for the removal.
Mayor Ford said the board’s decision was effective immediately and that Webb was given an opportunity to resign prior to the board’s action, which was taken after the aldermen met in closed session for an hour and 45 minutes.
“I have consulted with Texas Municipal League and the city attorney, and everything has been done according to the Open Meetings Act,” Ford said.
The mayor said he met Wednesday morning with all city employees to inform them of the decision.
“I told them that the board is supportive of them and the community and said the mayor and the board will be actively involved in responding to citizens’ needs and concerns.”
Ford said the board will likely have another called meeting next week to discuss appointing an interim city administrator and said the city will be looking for a new administrator.
Webb has served as Clarendon’s city administrator since October 2008. He did not have a contract with the city, Ford said.
Would like to hear Webbs side. Probably just disagreed with one of the big wheels. We all know what happens to those who disagree with the wrong people in Clarendon. I experienced first hand what happens to those who disagree with the local school. This town is OPPRESSED.
City Aldermen must have had a good reason to terminate Webb. I for one would like to see that $65,000.00 a year put toward more employees and asphalt to fill in all the potholes in ALL the streets! I LOVE CLARENDON and I don’t think this town is opressed and I’m proud to live here.
Thanks John;
Although your time with us was short, we will miss you. You did complete several projects, and get other good projects going.
Sorry it didn’t work out.
1. If a background check had been done on Mr. Webb, he wouldn’t have been hired. I talked to several that lived in Borger when Mr. Webb was over there. They were shocked the Mr. Webb was our city administrator and predicted this end. 2. He lied to his employers. If you lie to your boss, you run the risk of being fired and should be fired becuase you can no longer be trusted. 3. All new hires for the city of Clarendon are supposed to be approved or rejected by the City Aldermen, Mr. Webb was hired without the City Aldermen’s approval.
I agree that the hiring or Mr. Webb was questionable. We have not been given the “reason” that he was fired. just that he was fired. I did see some thing he accomplished but did he fulfill his job requirements. Now within two weeks of Mr. Webb being fired there is an interim. I would like to see a definition of what a city administrator job entails. Why do we need a city administrator and what qualities and skills are the City Aldermen looking for?