(The Center Square) – The Yakima City Council has voted in favor of the removal of Bob Harrison from his position as city manager without cause.
As a result of the council’s Tuesday decision, Harrison will receive six months pay as severance, as well as an amount equal to six months of healthcare coverage under his plan and any accrued leave or other benefits.
The Center Square reached out to the City of Yakima to confirm the severance pay, but did not receive a response at the time of this publication. However, the Yakima Herald-Republic previously reported on Harrison’s contract being tweaked in September from his base annual salary of $207,000 to a monthly pay of approximately $19,323.
Based on Harrison’s monthly pay, he will receive about $115,938 in severance pay through the first six months of 2024.
The resolution from Tuesday’s meeting stated that “as a result of the change in councilmembers, the city council has determined it is in the best interest of the City to seek a new city manager…”
The council voted 5-2 to oust Harrison during the first city council meeting of 2024. Yakima City Councilmembers Janice Deccio and Danny Herrera were the two votes against the motion.
Deccio spoke on Harrison’s past work in the city manager role, saying he has done “a really great job” since he held the position in 2020.
Harrison touted his actions as city manager in a press release. This includes reduction of crime via the city’s Domestic Violence Coalition, enhancement of city services and making “some difficult fiscal choices regarding the city budget.”
“We accomplished quite a few things during my tenure,” Harrison said in a statement. “Yakima is a wonderful community and I wish the best for the new council.”
Yakima Mayor Patricia Byers said she is appreciative of Harrison’s efforts as city manager.
“Mr. Harrison displayed strong municipal leadership skills with city staff through the COVID crisis, including distribution of CARES Act funds to local businesses and a comprehensive study of the use of [American Rescue Plan Act] funds to meet city financial needs and crucial community needs,” Byers said.
The Yakima City Council will discuss the process to hire a new city manager at its Jan. 16 meeting.
