Brookhaven Reaches Settlement With Suspended City Manager

(Image: City of Brookhaven)

BROOKHAVEN, GA -- Suspended city manager Marie Garrett and Brookhaven have settled their disagreements.

On Thursday, the city announced it has reached an agreement with Garrett, who was suspended last week, where she will resign immediately and receive a severance of $225,000.

“The city of Brookhaven and Marie Garrett have resolved a contract disagreement to the satisfaction of all concerned,” according to a statement released by the city. “Over the past three years, Marie Garrett’s integrity and hard work have been invaluable assets to our city and instrumental to the city’s success. The mayor and the city council thank Marie for her devoted service and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

The council is scheduled to vote to ratify the agreement at its next regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m.

The city entered into mediation with Garrett on Wednesday.

Besides her salary of $214,000, Garrett has been a lightening rod of criticism since she became the city’s full-time manager in 2013. The city has seen tremendous employee turnover during its short time as a municipality, including multiple communications and parks and recreation managers.

Police Chief Gary Yandura has been serving as interim city manager until a full-time replacement is found.