Keefer will begin work in Grove on June 1, and was selected from over 60 applicants. “Grove has some of the same problems and issues as Augusta. I’m excited about the new opportunity and I look forward to getting to know new staff members and council. It will take a little time to get the feel – to get to know people, but it will be nice,” He said.
Many public officials in Augusta speak well of Mr. Keefer, and wish him well in Grove. Readers should review local stories at AugustaGazette.com online. http://www.augustagazette.com/article/20130321/NEWS/130329863#art-tit
Keefer’s employment contract will begin June 1 with a starting salary of $100,000 per year to run the City of Grove, Grove Municipal Services Authority (GMSA) and Grove Economic Development Authority (GEDA). The contract is for one year, with two 1-year options.
Additional benefits include the standard paying of association dues, health insurance, $500 car allowance, 3 weeks vacation, Oklahoma retirement contributions, and six-month severance if terminated.
Although included in Bruce Johnsons contract, sources indicate it is peculiar that the council would include a provision that allows the city manager to “Employee is not prohibited from engaging in other gainful employment” although city council approval is required.
A new item included in the new city managers contract, is the inclusion of an Ethics Rules Section in his Employment contract, including an exemption of paying severance payments if terminated for ethics violation. (A copy of the ethics rules is included in the attached pdf)
According to an inside source at city hall, Jim Ford confirms “that former City Manager Bruce Johnson was terminated not for financial mismanagement, ‘It was a moral thing” says the GMSA Chairman’.
Attached PDF is of Bill Keefers employment contract Grove City Manager Contract