The Abbotsford News is reporting that Abbotsford taxpayers paid $321,000 to former City Manager Frank Pizzuto as part of his severance package.
The News obtained the information through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
According to The News, “That figure includes approximately $241,500 for the “severance period” of Jan. 7, 2013 to Jan. 6, 2014, plus $38,000 for paid vacation for 2013 and any holidays not taken in 2012.
“It also includes about $41,500 in employer-paid benefits – including car allowance, cell phone costs, medical and dental benefits, EI, CPP, and other benefits.”
Pizzuto resigned effective January 4, 2013 after announcing his intention in a press release on December 11.
His tenure as City Manager was a tumultuous one which saw the cost of the Abbotsford Heat contract continue to rise and continually surpass his ever changing predictions.
He also took a very public position on the P3 Water Referendum proclaiming during the 2011 election that the City was running out of water – a statement later proven to be untrue. Information revealed eight months later showed senior staff and Mayor George Peary new at the time of the Referendum that water usage was plummeting.
During his tenure Abbotsford went into debt in its DCC fund and increased water rates dramatically. During his final year in his job Economic Indicators such as building permit values and housing starts began to plummet.
Anne Graham Says:
what would it cost to get rid of Mark Taylor?
From Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Today-Media/447088788677534?ref=hl
Thank you for reporting honestly about issues involving our city. A word of encouragement to you…actually a proverb:
“Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence.” There may be hope for our city yet.
Premier Christy Clark’s Deputy Chief of Staff resigned March 1st over yet another scandal in the Provincial government. I’m impressed with Premier Clark’s statement, “Consistent with circumstances of resignation, no severance payment applies.”
In Abbotsford, on the other hand, City Manager Frank Pizzuto suddenly resigned last December.
Absolutely no explanation has been given to those who paid his generous wage, and mayor Banman had this to say about Mr. Pizzuto’s $321,092. severance package,….”Its standard procedure in these types of jobs for there to be a severance package.”
Civic employees ensure cushy landings for themselves.