Perrysburg OKs deal for resignation of administrator

8/18/2004

Perrysburg City Council yesterday voted 5-2 to authorize city officials to enter into a settlement agreement with city administrator James Bagdonas that will allow him to resign his post and continue as a part-time employee of the city until 2007.

Councilmen Tim McCarthy, Tom Mackin, Liz Larson-Shidler, Maria Ermie, and Kevin Rantanan voted in favor of the agreement.

Councilmen John Kevern and Joseph Lawless voted against it.

Mayor Jody Holbrook is on vacation and did not attend the meeting. Council President Mr. McCarthy, who ran last night s meeting, said the mayor was aware that council planned to authorize the settlement.

Mayor Holbrook and Mr. Bagdonas must sign the agreement before it becomes final. The agreement is still in draft form, Mr. McCarthy said. He would not provide details last night.

Council s ordinance to authorize the settlement says the agreement will, among other things, provide for a paid leave of absence and part-time employment status with the city.

Mr. Lawless said he voted against the agreement because the city is lacking administrative talent after the recent death of Doug Guest, the city s planning and zoning administrator, and he said council should not make personnel decisions.

Mr. Bagdonas was Perrysburg s safety service director from 1982 until December, 2000, when the city reorganized and created the city administrator position. He was acting city administrator until July, 2001, when he was given the job permanently.

It s been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Perrysburg for the past 22 and a half years, Mr. Bagdonas said. He declined further comment.