Schommer has not made public comments on the resignation, but in his resignation letter said, “I am pleased to leave a legacy of sound financial management and growth for the city.”
In Schommer’s resignation letter and consulting agreement, which was obtained by the Dayton Daily News, the city agreed to pay Schommer a lump sum of $150,000 within seven days of the date of the agreement. The city is also paying for Schommer’s health, dental and vision insurance at city expense through March 31, 2022.
Three members of Huber Heights City Council say they are confused and even unhappy with the way Mayor Jeff Gore portrayed Schommer’s departure from the city.
Gore told the Dayton Daily News that Schommer offered his resignation to city council Monday night, citing new opportunities that have opened to him personally.
Glenn Otto, at large city council member, said he he saw it differently.
“Without getting into detail, I’ll simply say that I believe the situation to be one of council and the manager had some disagreements, and that was the reason for the end of the relationship. I know that’s very overly broad, but that’s most of what was said,” Otto said.
“With the narrative being set of Mr. Schommer willingly walking away from the city for another opportunity, I don’t believe that a severance package would be in order for that situation.”
Ed Lyons, Ward 6 council member, said he felt Schommer was forced out.
“It’s a forced resignation. Basically it’s firing by any other term,” Lyons said. “With that, that’s what the mayor wanted.”
Richard Shaw, Ward 1 council member, said he did not see any resignation letter from Schommer until Tuesday afternoon after 3:30 p.m. When he did see the letter, it was dated for March 9 - Tuesday not Monday. Shaw said his initial understanding when he voted on the matter was that Gore had a resignation letter in hand at the time, which he has since found out to not be true.
“There’s a lot more weird stuff going on than what meets the eye,” Shaw said. “What exactly is going on, I am still investigating that as we speak.”
The agreement says that Schommer, “will not make any statements or remarks which are disparaging to, or which have the potential of harming, the city and/or its elected or appointed officers, agents or volunteers.”
“I don’t understand why council members would say they’re not sure what’s going on?” Gore said in an email in response to a question asking him to clarify his earlier email to the Dayton Daily News. “Mr. Schommer’s resignation and consulting agreement was unanimously accepted, and a motion passed by all eight council members to direct the city attorney to execute the agreements.”
Gore said he expects a special meeting of council to appoint a new city manager to happen on Wednesday.
Assistant city manager Scott Falkowski is serving as the acting city manager.
Schommer, who did not return calls from the Dayton Daily News, has worked in Huber Heights since 1996. He is a former chief of police for Huber Heights.
Otto said he is looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
“I just want whatever is going to be best for our community, and I don’t think that we’re going about it the right way,” Otto said.
Contact Eileen McClory at 937-694-2016 or eileen.mcclory@coxinc.com.
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