AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Spencer Cronk has been fired as Austin's City Manager, following a 10-1 vote by the Austin City Council on Wednesday.
Wednesday's vote comes in the wake of the city's response to the ice storm earlier this month, as well as growing frustrations surrounding the city's negotiations with the Austin Police Association.
District 1 council member Natasha Harper-Madison was the sole vote against Cronk's firing.
"When I consider the depth and breadth of challenges our community is facing, I do not believe terminating the city manager is the most measured or reasonable decision at this time," Harper-Madison said in a statement following the vote. "Today, I chose not to support the immediate termination of our city manager because this action will not solve the systemic issues within our city government or our collective response to the recent winter storm."
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Cronk addressed the decision in a statement after the decision.
“I serve at the pleasure of the mayor and council and acknowledge their decision. In our council-manager form of government, the elected officials ultimately decide whether I am the right choice for them to lead our organization,” Cronk said. “I stand proud of our organizational accomplishments under my tenure. I thank the Austin community for the opportunity to lead this great city, and I thank our city employees for their consistent commitment to providing the very best public service.”
Cronk will be paid a lump sum of $463,001.50, which includes a year of his base pay along with payouts for vacation balances and insurance premiums for six months.
Cronk's last day will be Thursday, Feb. 16.
Former city manager Jesus Garza will serve as the city's interim manager until a new city manager can be named. Garza, who served in the post from 1994 to 2002, will receive a annualized salary of $350,000.