Former City Manager Eric Duthie signed his waiver and release on May 1.
The City of Yuma has 30 days to pay him a lump sum of $75,000, equal to 50 percent of his annual salary. The payment will be reduced by all applicable payroll taxes.
The Yuma City Council ended Duthie’s employment without cause during a special meeting on April 24, eight months after he started in the role.
By signing the waiver and accepting the payment, Duthie gives up the right to sue the city for “damages under any claim or cause of action waivable under local, state, or federal law.” He also had seven days after signing to revoke or cancel the waiver for any reason. It became binding after those seven days.
The waiver does not affect Duthie’s ability to be awarded unemployment compensation under applicable state law. It also does not limit his right to file a charge of discrimination against the city, or his participation in any investigation related to such a charge. However, he does waive any and all rights to an award of monetary damages “with respect to any charge or claim related to his employment by the City.”
City Clerk/Treasurer Karma Wells is serving as interim city manager again. The council will be searching for a new “permanent” city manager in the coming months.