(Pottawattamie Co) A motion to reinstate the Pottawattamie County Engineer’s contract was defeated 3-2.
The special meeting was held this (Monday) morning to hear a grievance filed by John Rasmussen. On May 27th, the Supervisors voted 3-2 to terminate Rasmussen’s contract. Supervisors Tim Wichman, Scott Belt and Jeff Jorgensen voted in favor; Supervisors Susan Miller and Brian Shea voted against. Supervisor Wichman had stated he wanted to see the county move in a different direction.
Today, the Supervisors heard from Rasmussen and his attorney Raymond Aranza. Rasmussen said his termination caught him by surprise and shifted the course of the department that was gaining momentum.
Rasmussen took time to highlight the progress the department made during his tenure as Engineer, and he apologized to his team for not recognizing the risk of not having a transition period.
Rasmussen said, “When a new direction is taken without preparation, without communication, and without a plan, there are consequences.”
Raymond Aranza spoke about the legal issues involved in John Rasmussen’s grievance. Aranza said they believe there is a reason for terminating Rasmussen’s contract, and unfortunately that reason is not legal.
Aranza also noted that if they were to go to litigation, they will have to delve into everybody’s text messages.
After hearing from Rasmussen and Aranza, Supervisor Brian Shea made a motion to reinstate Rasmussen’s contract for a period of no less than three years, to uphold the grievance, and have the details of the contract hashed out between the County Attorney and Attorney Aranza. Supervisors Scott Belt, Jeff Jorgensen and Tim Wichman voted Nay. Supervisors Brian Shea and Susan Miller voted Aye.
Following the vote, the special meeting was adjourned.
