The city manager for Traverse City has reached an agreement with the city commission to step down from the job.
City officials say they’ve been put in a tough position.
"I too am concerned about the welfare of this city that is what we were elected to serve," said commissioner Mi Stanley. "And it’s certainly not a pretty situation given all the feedback that we’ve heard."
It’s unclear why Martin Colburn wanted to leave his position as the city’s manager.
But Traverse City Mayor Richard Lewis says he wanted to make one thing clear to the commission and residents of the city at Monday's commission meeting.
"The separation agreement is not due to any immoral, unethical, or illegal activities that have taken place by Mr. Colburn either as a public official, as the city manager, or as a private citizen," said Lewis.
The agreement includes a $97,000 contract pay out, which includes Colburn’s paid time off.
City commissioners expressed their appreciation for Colburn’s dedication to the city but voiced concerns over the transparency of the separation process and path forward for the city manager's position.
Commissioner Tim Werner also voiced concerns over several more senior level positions in the city government becoming vacant in the near future and the city's upcoming budget proposal.
