The resignation of Dodge County Clerk Linda Lowery and the request by county manager Kelly Bowen to step down to the clerk’s position were approved unanimously by the Dodge County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.
Lowery, who has been the county clerk for 18 1/2 years submitted a letter of resignation, which stated, “I have served the county of Dodge as county clerk for 18 1/2 years faithfully and to the best of my ability. Upon being requested to terminate my service, I make the following proposal: 1. I agree to step down as clerk of Dodge County immediately, 2. The county will continue to pay me the same salary, insurance and benefits I am currently receiving until the third week in April when I qualify for Social Security and retirement and 3. In exchange, I will forgo any accrued vacation time or sick leave owed to me by the county.”
The letter was signed by Lowery but did not have a date on it. County commissioner Jr. Howell made the motion to accept the resignation proposal of Lowery and commissioner Brian Watkins seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The commissioners requested that county attorney John Harrington prepare all necessary documents related to Lowery’s resignation.
Commissioner Terry Niblett made the motion to accept the request of county manager Bowen to step down and be given the title of assistant county manager/clerk. The motion added that the position would be with the current salary that Lowery is receiving. The motion was seconded by commissioner Brian Watkins and passed unanimously. There was no written documentation available on Bowen’s request.
A motion was made by commissioner Watkins to appoint former Dodge County Commission Chairman Bobby Peacock as interim county manager. This motion was seconded by commissioner Niblett and was passed.
Since the site is for the use of all citizens, why not close it at noon on Wednesday and open it until noon on Saturday?
Those hours would make it more available to citizens and still save the same amount of money.
There are probably more people who work for the county who would like to 'retire' with a package like this! Why don't y'all ask around? (I mean..since we are just handing out money on demand...)
And will Ms Bowen be receiving the same kind of pay Ms Lowery was receiving? And what will we pay Mr Peacock?
Inquiring minds want to know.....