Mayor Mike Matson appointed Mallory Merritt as interim city administrator by executive order in November, replacing Corri Spiegel. Merritt was the assistant city administrator at the time. She is also the city's chief financial officer.
The city council voted to ratify that appointment, but did not approve an agreement that included a $50,000 bonus.
The agreement would have also increased her salary by 2.5% retroactive to January. It said Merritt would serve as interim city administrator until the city fills the position permanently. Under the agreement, after this month, she would have been paid an additional $5,000 a month.
Residents who spoke during public comment urged the council not to approve that agreement, plus another agreement with Brian Heyer, who Matson appointed as interim city attorney by executive order in January.
Opponents criticized Heyer's agreement, which also included a $50,000 bonus, saying its terms would make firing him too difficult.
During discussion, an exchange between staff attorney Mallory Bagby and Alderman Tim Kelly led to an outburst in the audience and the mayor cleared the chambers.
The Quad-City Times reports several alderman also left and Alderwoman Jazmin Newton refused to continue until the mayor called the public back in.
The council ultimately voted to delete Heyer's ratification and agreement from the agenda.
