Roseville leaders have decided to dismiss longtime City Manager W. Craig Robinson, ending a nearly monthlong standoff while they tried to reduce his severance package.
The decision was reached in a private City Council session Wednesday night.
Robinson's contract calls for an additional 12 months of pay and benefits, bringing his severance package to $390,136, city officials said.
Councilwoman Pauline Roccucci expressed an interest in terminating Robinson "with cause."
But city spokeswoman Megan MacPherson said Robinson's contract requires the 12-month severance no matter the cause – short of a felony conviction for moral turpitude.
Both Mayor Gina Garbolino and Roccucci cited a breakdown in communication as the reason Robinson had to go.
"I just felt like there was cause," Roccucci said. "I felt that the communication … had broken down."
She said Robinson often was dismissive of council suggestions or directions and treated elected officials more like staff than a city council.
Given the city's weakened economic position, she said she didn't feel right giving Robinson 12 months of salary to walk away.
The council put Robinson on paid administrative leave Oct. 9. At the time, no explanation was offered by council members or city officials.
Robinson has been city manager since February 2003. His $273,000 annual salary made him one of the highest-paid city managers in the state.
Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.
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