BENSON – During the Town of Benson’s regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting last Thursday, a mutual agreement was approved between the Board and Town Manager Fred Nelson to end his contract with the Town of Benson.
The Board approved a buyout of Mr. Nelson’s contract for the remainder of the year, effectively ending his duties for the Town.
“I have nothing but respect for Fred Nelson and I know the Commissioners feel the same way,” said Benson Mayor Jerry Medlin.
“He was there to guide Benson through a transitional period and his role in that cannot be overstated. He did not resign on Thursday and he was not fired — the Board would not have pursued those measures,” he continued. “A buyout was presented as an option to which the Board agreed.”
Mr. Nelson was hired as interim Town Manger in May of 2019 and later as full-time Town Manager in December of the same year.
The Board unanimously approved Assistant Town Manager Kimberly Pickett to serve as Interim Town Manager following Mr. Nelson’s last day at Town Hall on Friday, March 4, 2022.
“We know Fred loves this town and his time as manager will be remembered as an important period in Benson’s growth,” said Mayor Medlin.
How much and why?
Very good questions. Something sounds fishy. If he wanted to leave looks like he would have resigned, If they wasn’t doing his job looks like they would have fired him. Sounds like they wanted to get rid of him but were scared of a lawsuit.