PRESS RELEASE
June 15, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DURANT CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER PART WAYS
The Durant City Council had its regular meeting Monday evening. After concluding a significant number of regular agenda items, the Council convened an Executive Session where, pursuant to Oklahoma law, they met behind closed doors and discussed, among other things, the employment of City Manager Lisa Taylor. After a nearly two-hour closed-door session, the members reconvened in the Council chambers where they voted to terminate Taylor effective June 30.
Recently elected mayor Martin Tucker said, “I am thankful to Ms. Taylor for her service to the City of Durant and for the positive contribution she made while in the positions of Economic Development Director and City Manager. During my campaign for City Council, I heard from the public that the City needed some directional change and one of the first steps in that process is fresh leadership. While there was some robust discussion and understandable disagreement over the action taken tonight,” said Mayor Tucker, “I know that all five councilmembers want the best for the City of Durant and I am confident we can join together in the selection of the next City Manager and a unified path forward for the City.”
Taylor, who has been Durant’s City Manager since October 11, 2022, following a two-month stint as Interim City Manager, stated, “It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of Durant as City Manager. I am proud of the accomplishments made during my tenure. I recognize the authority of the Council to select a City Manager that best meets their vision for the City and I wish my successor nothing but the best. We have great employees at the City and I am certain they will continue to take care of the citizens.”
Under the terms of her contract with the City, Taylor will receive benefits such as pay and insurance coverage for up to a year. Absent additional agreements with Taylor, the City Council is now tasked with the appointment of a replacement City Manager, whether interim or permanent, by June 30 in a special meeting.
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