Residents of Grand Forks, B.C., are calling for an investigation into the decision to fire, pay almost $200,000 severance to, and then rehire the city’s Chief Administrative Officer — all in a matter of months.

Doug Allin had been in the job for just over two years, when he was relieved of his duties after a new mayor and council was elected last fall.

As far as the public was aware, Allin hadn’t done anything to warrant being dismissed. He was also awarded a significant severance payout — a total of $192,000 made up of a cash and benefits package.

In February that the city hired Allin back to work in his previous position — at a salary of $133,000 a year — residents were understandably surprised.

‘Just outrageous’

Donald Pharand was so shocked at Allin’s re-hiring, he filed a Freedom Of Information request to find out what exactly happened, and is calling on B.C.’s Auditor-General for local government to investigate.

“Every question that has been asked around the dismissal of Mr. Allin always came with the reply, ‘It was in camera’,” stated Pharand.

“The amount of money is just outrageous.”

source: cbc