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Rock Island City Manager to Resign, Agreement Calls for 6 Month Severance

City Manager Thomas Thomas has submitted a letter of resignation to the city.

UPDATE: On Monday, September 19th, 2016, Rock Island City Council accepted Thomas Thomas' resignation.

ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- City Manager Thomas Thomas has submitted a letter of resignation to the city.

In his letter, Thomas noted that after putting five-plus years of service into the city, that it was time for him "to pursue other opportunities and interests."  He said that he has enjoyed his job with the city and is "proud of the important work" that was completed while he was in the position.  The letter was dated Tuesday, September 13, 2016.

Thomas said he would "step down" from his position on Tuesday, September 20.

He finished his letter with the following statement:

"I am grateful for your friendship and support and the tireless efforts of the men and women of the City of Rock Island.  I look forward to working with you to ensure a smooth and orderly transition as I leave office.

"Thank you for allowing me to serve you and the City of Rock Island."

Mayor Pauley said that the city would consider the resignation at their City Council Meeting on Monday, September 19, 2016.  The meeting's agenda, which is posted online indicates that the council will motion whether or not to approve his resignation and severance package.

Click here to read the full letter and severance agreement. 

The agreement states Thomas will get six months severance pay, if approved by the city council.

Thomas' resignation comes on the heels of the long-anticipated Walmart store deal that fell through in early September.  City officials had been pursuing the deal since 2012, but ultimately, Walmart released a statement stating that it was pulling out of the development.

Click here for more coverage on the proposed Walmart in Rock Island.

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