The Austin City Council approved the termination of City Manager Spencer Cronk on Wednesday, according to reports from Austin-based media outlets.
Cronk was under heavy scrutiny for his handling of the winter disturbance that came through the state capital and surrounding areas earlier this month.
Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported that the city council voted 10-1, with District 1 Councilwoman Natasha Harper-Madison the lone dissenter, to fire Cronk, who will officially vacate the position on Thursday.
Cronk said in a statement obtained by the station that he respects the 11-member body’s position.
“In our council-manager form of government, the elected officials ultimately decide whether I am the right choice for them to lead our organization,” he said. “I stand proud of our organizational accomplishments under my tenure. I thank the Austin community for the opportunity to lead this great city, and I thank our city employees for their consistent commitment to providing the very best public service.”
Per Austin NBC affiliate KXAN, the city council approved a severance package of more than $460,000 for Cronk, whom the city hired in 2017.
The compensation consists of his base pay for a year, half a year’s worth of COBRA payments and other payouts, KXAN reported.
City leaders named Jesus Garza interim city manager.
According to the station, Garza held the position in an official capacity before, serving from 1994 to 2002.
Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes tweeted following the vote that Austin must proceed with “a clear vision of responsiveness, trust and transparency,” Austin FOX affiliate KTBC reported.
“Our city is rapidly growing, and with this comes the need to overcome many new and existing challenges,” Fuentes wrote. “I believe the decision to appoint Jesus Garza as our interim city manager reflects our commitment to move forward and serve those we represent.”
KVUE reported that Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who has entered his second month in office, said Cronk was “a committed public servant.”
