By Tony Brockmeyer
The First Capitol News has learned City Administrator Allan Williams has apparently forced Director of Public Works, Michael Pratt, to resign. Our sources told us Friday, April 16th was Pratt’s last day on the job. Sources also said Williams called Pratt into his office April 13th and told him he could resign or be fired. A compromise was worked out whereby Pratt would resign if he received the six months severance pay called for in his contract.
At an executive session of the City Council, held Tuesday evening, a motion was passed to pay Pratt three months severance pay. The City Council passed an ordinance recently which prohibits severance pay being paid without their approval.
Pratt has served as Director of Public Works since May of 2002. He is a retired Army Colonel. Pratt resigned on August 30th, 2002 to take a job in the private sector. After his resignation was accepted and the position was advertised, he changed his mind and wanted to come back to work for the City.
Jim O’Connor, City Administrator at the time, hired Pratt back, gave him a raise of approximately $9,000 and a new contract.
On November 16, 2004 The First Capitol News reported Pratt was one of the finalists for the Public Works Director’s job in Champaign, Illinois. He was not offered the position.
St. Charles Engineering, a private firm, will be handling engineering until a new Public Works Director is hired.
