Release
DURANT – The Durant City Council had its regular meeting Monday evening. After concluding a significant number of regular agenda items, the Council convened an Executive Session where, pursuant to Oklahoma law, they met behind closed doors and discussed, among other things, the employment of City Manager Lisa Taylor. After a nearly two-hour closed-door session, the members reconvened in the Council chambers where they voted to terminate Taylor effective June 30.
“I am thankful to Ms. Taylor for her service to the City of Durant and for the positive contribution she made while in the positions of Economic Development Director and City Manager,” said recently elected mayor Martin Tucker. “During my campaign for City Council, I heard from the public that the City needed some directional change and one of the first steps in that process is fresh leadership. While there was some robust discussion and understandable disagreement over the action take tonight, I know that all five council members want the best for the City of Durant and I am confident we can join together in the selection of the next City Manager and a unified path forward for the City.”
Taylor has been Durant’s City Manager since October 11, 2022, following a two-month stint as Interim City Manager.
“It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of Durant as City Manager,” Taylor said. “I am proud of the accomplishments made during my tenure. I recognize the authority of the Council to select a City Manager that best meets their vision for the City and I wish my successor nothing but the best. We have great employee at the City and I am certain they will continue to take care of the citizens.”
Under the terms of the contract with the City, Taylor will receive benefits such as pay and insurance coverage for up to a year. Absent additional agreements with Taylor, the City Council is now tasked with the appointment of a replacement City Manager, whether interim or permanent, by June 30 in a special meeting.