DUANE SHERRILLEditor

The sudden resignation of City Administrator Jason Quick remains shrouded in mystery as city officials and attorneys remain tight-lipped about the reason for his departure and the mysterious “Independent investigation” that may have brought matters to a head.

The announcement of Quick’s resignation was made during a special-called meeting of the mayor and board of aldermen on Feb. 26, where the only item on the agenda was to consider the city administrator’s position and potential disciplinary action. What type of disciplinary action and the reason for that action was never discussed and has not been revealed. However, his resignation made any consideration of discipline moot by the time the council met.

“The board was presented the results of an independent legal investigation and through legal counsel we were advised the risks and potential liabilities to the city,” Alderman Matthew Bird said, not elaborating on the specifics of the investigation. “I believe the board is acting in its best interest for city operations and city employees to accept this resignation.”

When asked for a copy of Quick’s resignation, the city maintained everything was oral and there was no official resignation letter tendered. When asked about the mysterious independent legal investigation, the city remained silent, referring to legal issues. City Attorney Brittany Hoskins had little to say on the issue but said there will be more coming out once the documentation becomes public record.

“There is no written legal report,” she said Monday afternoon. “”Mr. Quick’s lawsuit against the City has been dismissed.”

She said the terms of the agreement are keeping the matter closed to the public at the present time.

“The City cannot share details related to Mr. Quick’s resignation pursuant to the terms of the agreement reached between Mr. Quick and the City,” she said.

Meanwhile, thanks to a joint stipulation between the city and Quick, his lawsuit alleging breach of contract against Tullahoma and the board of mayor and aldermen has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning it can’t be brought back around.

The dismissal noted that both sides will be responsible for their own expenses, costs and attorney fees. The paperwork did not reveal that amount of compensation if any was given nor what the exact “stipulations” were that led to the joint agreement.

The Tullahoma News plans to file Freedom of Information Act papers this week to seek more information on Mr. Quick’s resignation.