Sunland Park considering terminating new city manager
The Sunland Park CIty Council met Monday evening in a special session to discuss whether or not they want to terminate the new city manager’s contract.
Vernon WIlson has been on the job for less than three months.
Wayne Sowell from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration says the city of Sunland Park would have to pay Wilson nearly $100,000 dollars if they decide to terminate his contract.
Sowell says firing Wilson, who he says has been doing a great job hiring new people for the city, would be a misuse and abuse of public funds that would be a step backwards for Sunland Park.
Sunland Park is still under close watch by New Mexico state agencies. In 2012 state auditors, police and the DFA came in to remove, arrest, and charge city employees with embezzlement, fraud and misuse of public funds.
Wilson tells ABC-7 he doesn’t know why city leaders are displeased with his work. He says he always has the citizens of Sunland Park in mind when making decisions.
The DFA still has financial control of Sunland Park, which means city leaders could not spend a dime without consulting with the state agency first.
No decision was made by councilors Monday night. Mayor Javier Perea says it may come up in the future, but they are certainly keeping in mind the cost to the city if they choose to pursue parting ways with Wilson.
