by CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON
Buda’s Economic Development Corp. voted Monday night to reject a severance proposal offered by former executive director Warren Ketteman.
Depending on which side of the issue you stand, Ketteman was relieved of his duties, as the majority of the board says, or “disemployed” as noted by board member Antonio Sosa, earlier this month. Ketteman had served as executive director of the EDC since 2002. After the June 4 EDC meeting, Ketteman turned in his cell phone and keys to the office and was told not to come back to work.
This week, the EDC board met in executive session for approximately 30 minutes before bringing up two issues – discussion of personnel issues with attorney Charles Zech and negotiations with prospective applicants for Ketteman’s position.
The board opted by a vote of 4-1, with Sosa voting against, to keep Ketteman on administrative leave until his contract ends Sept. 30, rather than accepting Ketteman’s severance proposal. Ketteman was not present at the meeting.
EDC chairwoman and Buda councilmember Cathy Chilcote said this week that Ketteman had requested a severance package and payout of his contract. Instead, the commission voted to continue to pay Ketteman his salary as part of his administrative leave until he finds another job or the end of his contract.
Ketteman’s dismissal was the result of what the board had said was a “personality conflict.” Ketteman had been interviewing with several other Texas cities, including Alice, where he remains the sole finalist for that EDC director position there. Ketteman admitted at the June 4 meeting that he had been looking around for another job.
In the Hays Free Press 2010 list of Top 25 salaries for public entities in Hays County, Buda and Kyle, Ketteman was ranked 19th with a salary of $103,336, including salary and other benefits.
Ketteman guided Buda during rapid commercial expansion and population growth, bringing to town such business entities as Cabela’s and U.S. Foods.
IN OTHER ACTION, THE EDC BOARD:
• looked over the responsibilities of the EDC coordinator. The proposed job description presented at the meeting was taken from the San Marcos EDC for a similar position. Janet Shull, Buda EDC administrative assistant told the board that she had a job description as completed by former director Ketteman and would send a copy to commission members.
• reported on grants that had been improved for local business since 2003. A total of $129,885 in grants was approved, with $115,885 paid out. Several recipients chose to return funds or cancel grants due to non-completion or cancellation of structural improvement projects in downtown Buda.
