Jeremy Willmoth’s tenure as city manager in Winfield appears to be coming to an end.
Multiple sources confirmed to NewsCow that city commissioners had an extensive conversation this week about removing Willmoth from his position. It’s unclear whether he would be fired or first be given an opportunity to resign.
If Willmoth is terminated without cause, commissioners would owe him in excess of $50,000, per terms of his employment contract.
Commissioners had a regular meeting on Monday that included 30 minutes of an executive session that is closed to the public. They emerged from that private meeting having made no decisions.
It has become apparent, however, that at least some of the three commissioners have lost faith in Willmoth’s ability to effectively lead the city and are discussing how to move forward without him. He has been city manager for less than two years.
Both Willmoth and Winfield Mayor Greg Thompson declined an offer to comment on this story.
In recent months, the city manager has come under intense criticism for the firing of former Winfield Police Officer Sean Skov. In May, Skov was videotaped during a traffic stop he conducted in the 1600 block of Manning.
31-year-old Jeremy “Rudy” Samuel was initially pulled over in his tan Chevy Impala, police say, for failing to signal at least 100 feet in advance of making a turn. Samuel was later detained and vegetation found inside of the driver-side window seal of his vehicle, was tested.
Skov believed the substance to be marijuana but tests were negative. Samuel was eventually uncuffed and let go with a warning for the turn signal violation and open container.
The traffic stop was posted live to Facebook.
Samuel believes Skov violated his constitutional rights and is seeking $1 million from the city. Skov was fired on May 24, following a review of the incident.
The former officer himself has remained quiet following his removal from the job, but supporters have pressured city commissioners – both publicly and privately – to fire Willmoth. That pressure has come from a group that includes multiple high-profile community members.
Willmoth has been accused of an overall management style that has lowered morale among city employees. His critics have noted the recent departure of other long-time city employees.
