Kalamazoo City Manager Apologizes At Commission Meeting
Kalamazoo City Manager Jim Ritsema was apologetic at Monday nights commission meeting for not disclosing a real reason on the departure of former Chief Karianne Thomas in September.
According to News 8 the contract for Thomas was terminated without cause but she still received a year of her final salary of $150,000 as severance pay. No clear reason for her leaving was given at the time although a retirement suggestion was emphasized in the statement released to the public.
Here is Kalamazoo City Manager s reaction from Monday night:
“When my team and I developed a message regarding Chief Thomas’ departure, our and my goal was to not harm Chief Thomas’ reputation. Her departure was not a punishment,” Ritsema said. I also wanted to ensure a smooth transition to the new chief Vernon Coakley. While factually correct, the press release and my discussions with commissioners did not mention the termination of the employment
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Former KDPS Chief Thomas was fired, according to City
Kalamazoo, MI, USA / The Touch | Today's R & B and Old School | 95.5 FM · 1560 AM
Dec 15, 2020 8:48 PM
KDPS Chief Karianne Thomas and other city leaders during a press conference in response to civil disturbances and vandalism downtown early Tuesday morning. (Courtesy of Jeana Gondek)
KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) Former Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) Chief Karianne Thomas, who retired from her position at the end of September, was actually fired by the City, according to a report from WOOD TV.
Last September, the city had announced her retirement after serving 27 years with the department. City documents state Thomas was eligible for full retirement as of 2017 and would receive a one-year severance package, per her contract.
Kalamazoo City leaders discuss proposed 2021 budget
Kalamazoo, MI, USA / The Touch | Today's R & B and Old School | 95.5 FM · 1560 AM
Dec 14, 2020 10:43 PM
The Kalamazoo Board of Commissioners discuss the proposed 2021 budget on December 14, 2020. (Photo courtesy of the City of Kalamazoo via Youtube Livestream).
KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) Monday, the Kalamazoo City Board of Commissioners held a public discussion about its proposed 2021 budget.
During the virtual meeting, various leaders from the city discussed different facets of the proposal, including various projects and programs that are slated to start next year, as well as the reduction of gun violence and improvement of racial equity work.