The Athens City Council has terminated the contract of City Manager Dr. Randall Dowling following a 3-2 vote. According to the City of Athens, Dowling was removed without cause under Section 11 of his agreement, which dictates that the city manager serves at the pleasure of the council and can be dismissed at any time by a majority vote.

While officials did not provide a specific reason for the termination, Dowling is set to receive six months of severance pay and an additional $30,000 per his contract terms. In the interim, Executive Assistant Bridget Roberts will step in to serve as the acting city manager.