Ellis Goodwin
After 20 years of service to the Chickasha community, City Manager Larry Shelton announced his resignation Monday night.
City Council members met in an executive session for almost three hours before deciding to grant the resignation and retirement benefits to Shelton. Shelton's resignation will go into effect on June 30, 2011.
Shelton did not make any official statement as to why he will resign.
"We, as an organization, have made an impact on the daily lives of this community, and, I believe, set a course that will enhance the quality of life for all citizens," Shelton said in his letter of resignation. "Reflect back on the improvements made in our infrastructure, street system, drainage problems, and the future of your parks and recreational potential. You should be very proud of what has been accomplished and excited about what lies ahead."
Shelton said he accepted the position as city manager during perilous times. He strived to create a city government that is "a-political" and makes decisions based on the issues, not politics. He said the city was able to grow into an efficient and modern city while increasing fiscal stability.
Shelton thanked his employees for years of dedicated service, touting their determination and commitment toward their jobs. Shelton also thanked the Chickasha community.
"The community has been very good to my family and I hope that we have given as much as we have received," he said. "We will always value the friends and relationships created here. Thank you for the experience and my best wishes for the future."
Council members accepted Shelton's resignation on a vote of five to three. Paul Powell, Joseph Young and Howard Carpenter voted not to honor the resignation and retirement package for Shelton. All three council members were contacted, but unavailable for comment.
Council members also voted to table a vote to allow online payments for utilities. The service will provide Chickasha residents with a
more convenient way to pay city bills, but it comes at a price of $1.25 per transaction. For a few of the council members the fee, coupled with the price of installing the software, is too much. The city also is charged $.03 per transaction.
"This is a lot of money to spend for a handful of people who might use it," Powell said.
The software, written by Tyler Technologies Inc., will direct funds directly to the city's bank account. If put into use it will make sending and receiving payments much more convenient for both residents and city workers.
However, council members do not think the excess costs are worth it.
Mayor Greg Elliott suggested they table the discussion until April, when new-Mayor Hank Ross takes the seat.
