From Andrew Clinger:
“I have enjoyed my time as City Manager and take great pride in the accomplishments of this city over past years. Councils past and present have come together in times of crisis and opportunity to move Reno forward and greet each challenge and opportunity with passion and care. I am proud to call Reno my home and grateful to work and raise my family here. So, it will be with a heavy heart that I announce I will be leaving the City Manager’s position effective October 9th. I will do so, for the most part, with fond memories.
Obviously, the last few weeks have been challenging for me and my family. No one enjoys having their name sullied or their professional conduct questioned. However, I have complete confidence my reputation will be cleared when this process is completed. The findings of the initial investigation now known to most all involved found no evidence of wrong doing, because none occurred. Given that, I look forward to the full public release of this investigation in the coming days, so that everyone will know the real facts in this case.
I wish the Mayor and the council success in their future endeavors and nothing but the best for our city. I am humbled and honored to have served Reno.”
Clinger is accused of sexually harassing three female employees. He previously placed himself on voluntary leave during the investigation.
Since the allegations first came out, Clinger has maintained his innocence. But after learning that, Reno Mayor, Hillary Schieve planned a special meeting to consider his removal from office, he signed a separation agreement on Thursday.
Karl Hall, the attorney for the City of Reno said, "Mr. Clinger stepping aside, allowing us to get a new manager in place, and go forward with city business and get this behind us."
City officials tell Channel 2 News that the separation agreement with Clinger was reached on Thursday after both attorneys sat down and talked about the process moving forward.
The City says Clinger will be paid six months of severance, as well as $30,000 to cover his attorney fees. The total cost for the city is $227,885.18.
Regarding the investigation, Hall did however say, "It's going to cost several hundred thousand dollars obviously, but in the long run, I think we have actually saved the taxpayers money in terms of litigation of Mr. Clinger that it may have brought."
Mayor Schieve agreed. "I think this actually saves the taxpayers quite a bit of money. And I think that's a great thing for the city. We will continue to move forward and make sure we mitigate those damages as much as possible."
In a statement provided by Schieve on Thursday, she thanked Clinger for his service to the City and for the achievements accomplished under his leadership.
On Friday in a press conference, Schieve said, "Everyone really needed to look at where we're at and what the health of the city looks like. So I think we feel strongly that we're going to go in a different direction."
The mayor adds that this has been a long process and it had been hard on the organization.
Due to the open meeting law, a special meeting will still move forward on Wednesday, September 14 at 9:00 a.m. in Reno City Hall for the council to discuss Clinger's termination of employment, a severance benefit package, and the release of legal claims. The mayor wants the meeting to be a transparent and public process.
The city says the investigation will continue and is expected to wrap up in the middle of October.
Schieve issued this statement Thursday night:
"It has been brought to my attention that Andrew Clinger has announced that he will be leaving the City Manager’s position effective October 9, 2016. We have accomplished many great things under Andrew’s leadership, and we want to thank him for his service to our city.
I believe we are at a turning point and that it is imperative that city staff and the City Council stay focused on the health and vibrancy of our organization. Therefore, I have called for a Special Meeting as a necessary step to ensure the organization remains solely focused on moving Reno forward."
Meetings can be streamed at Reno.gov/Meetings or viewed on Charter Channel 194.
