MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Mayor Scott Meggers said the city has not received formal resignations from City Manager Enrico Villegas or City Attorney Cody Smith, despite the two officials announcing that Wednesday was their final day with the city.
“We have not reached this decision lightly,” Villegas and Smith said.
The two officials said their working environment became increasingly hostile and untenable after they raised concerns involving the Hutchinson Recreation Commission, Hutch Rec Foundation and Dillon Nature Center Foundation.
“In our experience, Council member Stacy Goss’s continued conduct has been a principal contributor to that environment,” their statement said.
Villegas and Smith did not provide specific examples of Goss’s alleged conduct in the statement.
The Hutchinson City Council held a special meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall. The agenda included consideration of a motion to recess into executive session, followed by a statement from the mayor.
Before the council adjourned, Meggers acknowledged the joint statement but said the city had not received the paperwork needed to treat the announcement as a formal resignation.
“The city is aware of the public statement issued today by City Manager Enrico Villegas and City Attorney Cody Smith,” Meggers said. “At this time, neither has formally submitted a resignation to the city.”
Meggers said the governing body is requesting formal written resignations from both officials so the city can move forward appropriately.
“We do not have any further information to share at this time,” Meggers said.
In their joint statement, Villegas and Smith said they are proud of their work for the city and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Hutchinson community.
They also said their departure does not change or diminish the concerns they raised involving Hutch Rec and the two foundations.
“We believe those concerns remain important and should be addressed through the appropriate channels,” Villegas and Smith said.