What would it cost City to terminate City Manager Joyce Wilson’s Contract?

Several people have posted comments on KVIA’s Facebook page suggesting that Mayor-Elect Oscar Leeser and City Council terminate City Manager Joyce Wilson’s contract and asking how much it would cost to do so.

Wilson’s contract is set to expire in September 2014. She was hired by the City to be its first city manager in 2004.

According to Wilson’s contract, “In the event the City Manager is terminated by City Council 18 months after the effective date of the intitial term and during such time the City Manager is willing and able to perform her duties of City Manager, the City agrees to pay City Manager a lump sum payment (“severance payment”) in an amount equal to 12 months salary at her then current base salary…”

Wilson currently earns about $240,000 a year.

El Paso Mayor-Elect Oscar Leeser released the following statement after Wilson informed Lee County she would not be taking the county manager job:

“Earlier today City Manager Wilson advised City officials that she contacted the Lee County Chairman earlier this morning to let him know that she was ceasing negotiations and declining the job offer.

“Over the past two days as Mayor elect, I have met with Ms. Wilson for several hours and have asked her to stay on board to assist with the transition of the new council. I felt it was only appropriate to have the City Manager see the City’s critical projects through to a successful conclusion.

“I want the public to know that I am staying true to my word that I was not going to rush through things; which is why I feel it is best for City Manager to stay through the end of her contract. Ms. Wilson has committed to work collaboratively to allow for a smooth transition for her replacement. Her decision to stay will allow the incoming Council and I to do a proper national and local search for our next City Manager. “