Watertown expedites departure of outgoing city manager
Watertown City Council makes decision to cut ties with Amanda Mack during closed-door executive session
Watertown's city manager has been relieved of her duties ahead of her planned departure from the Codington County community.
The Watertown City Council on Monday night held an emergency meeting to accept the resignation of City Manager Amanda Mack, who earlier this month accepted a city administrator position in the city of Harrisburg.
Initially, Mack intended to continue her role in Watertown until January, fulfilling a 60-day notice period outlined in her contract. However, councilors opted to make her resignation effective immediately.
The decision was made during an hours-long, closed-door executive session.
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Mack declined to comment when contacted by The Dakota Scout. Calls to councilors and Watertown Mayor Ried Holien, who participated in Monday's hearing, were not immediately returned.
Mack, a Whiting, Iowa, native, accepted the Harrisburg city administrator position on Nov. 12 and is scheduled to begin in that role on Jan. 27. Her last day at Watertown City Hall had previously been slated for Jan. 6.
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Local rumor mill: Amanda purchased a new Ford Expedition from the Watertown Ford dealer in late summer. She had the vehicle titled in her name. Several weeks ago, the car was repossessed for nonpayment at the city office. Amanda stated to the dealer that the city should have been making the payment. The Ford dealer made city councilors aware of the situation last week, and they began an audit of her office. She immediately accepted the Harrisburg job and notified councilors of her planned departure. After investigation, it was decided that she had broken no laws but was using influence in her position for personal gain.
Was not aware executive sessions were intended to accommodate “hours long closed-door meetings”.