J. Russell Allen. Photo by City of Raleigh.
City Council members announced Wednesday they will not renew City Manager Russell Allen’s contract this year.
Councilors voted 6-2 on the issue. Eugene Weeks and Mary-Ann Baldwin were the dissenting votes. Council members declined to speak about the personnel issue following the announcement, but these comments were released in an e-mailed statement:
“He has been a great service to our city, and we appreciate all he has done to help Raleigh become an award-winning municipality. Just as Raleigh has grown and changed, so have the skills needed to manage and grow the city.
“We are excited and look forward to the new possibilities and insight that a new city manager will bring us, and we are grateful for all the work Russell has done as well. Russell has agreed to stay through July 1 and we appreciate his willingness to work with us on an orderly transition.”
Allen was hired by the city in 2001. He will receive severance pay equal to one year’s salary: $232,000. Allen declined an interview, but released this statement:
“I am honored and proud to have been the city manager of Raleigh for the last 12 years. I have always strived to make this a better city and have loved doing so. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most professional, caring and dedicated City employees. They represent the heart and strength of our City organization. I also appreciate the strong partnerships we have forged with numerous public and private organizations throughout the city, county and region. Raleigh has a very engaged citizenry and I hope they feel that I have been respectful, accessible and responsive.
“Raleigh is one of the most successful cities in the country and is poised for even greater achievements. As much as I will miss this job, I am thankful for the experiences and confident in the City’s future.”
Councilor Randy Stagner said the search for a new city manager will begin soon.
