By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star
A mere week before Christmas, Coldstream’s new council has axed a key component to the administrative workings of the community.
“Wendy Kay is no longer working for the District of Coldstream,” said Mayor Jim Garlick.
“It’s without cause,” he said of the reasoning.
The decision to dismiss Kay, the chief administrative officer, was made at an in-camera council meeting Wednesday.
That decision came after Kay was put on a paid leave, effective just a day before, on Tuesday.
“We wish her well on her new endeavours,” said Garlick.
Kay has worked at the District of Coldstream for 15 years. She has held the CAO position since 2005, before which she was director of corporate administration.
The timing of the decision is the most disappointing for Kay.
“What are we, seven days away from Christmas,” said the mother of four kids. “I am a sole bread winner, my husband is retired.”
Under her employment contract, Kay will receive a severance package but numbers are not yet known.
In 2007, Kay earned $104,729 and had expenses of $9,083 (which included a vehicle allowance).
When the North Okanagan Regional District paid out severance to its former chief administrative officer Barry Gagnon, it was paid as a yearly salary of $167,547. He resigned in 2006 and payment continued to 2008.
Despite the situation, Kay plans to take some time to spend with her family.
“This is the first time in 12 years my kids have come home and I’ve been here,” she said.
She is also optimistic about the future, saying: “Every door opens a new opportunity.”
As for her old job, it is being worked on.
“We’re working to deal with the position of CAO,” said Garlick, adding that there is a system for the interim where other employees will work collectively to pick up the slack.
The decision to dismiss Kay was made by council, but Garlick cannot say which councillors voted for or against the dismissal.
“That’s all in-camera.”
The chief administrative officer directs planning, co-ordination and control of all municipal operations in accordance with the objectives, policies and plans approved by council. The CAO reports directly to council and acts as their primary policy advisor.
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