The final act of Ottawa Impact majority was to grant generous severance to Deputy Administrator Ben Wetmore and Executive Aide Jordan Epperson. The deal was previously approved on December 10th, but a lawsuit was filed in an attempt to block the payouts.
A re-vote was taken December 20th because of the lawsuit’s allegations. Ben Wetmore was awarded $175,000, he was hired in November 2023, so worked just over a year. The salary of $175,000 was awarded when Wetmore was appointed as Interim Administrator, a position he held for only three months.
I hope you are ashamed of yourself, because this is gross – Commissioner Bonnema to Ben Wetmore
Jordan Epperson, the 23 year old hired in the summer of 2023 as an aide to John Gibbs was awarded $33,000 (five months salary) and five months benefits plus an undisclosed lump sum payment of $75,000.
The total bill for the Ottawa Impact loyalists is $283,000. A far more generous severance than what most companies would award for the length of time served and the positions held.
A New Era?
John Teeples was elected Chair and Josh Brugger Vice Chair after being sworn into office on January 2nd. The four Ottawa Impact commissioners who remain on the board nominated and voted for Joe Moss.
I believe that both commissioners, Moss and Rhodea have led the county very well. – Commissioner Miedema at the first Commissioner Meeting of 2025 to elect leaders for the new board that will serve for four years.
Ottawa Impact Commissioners continue to claim their reign the last two years was not only good but exceptional, and sets the stage for the new board to succeed.
The best way to recognize propaganda is when the words spoken do not match reality. Saying the Ottawa Impact majority board did a good job in the face of so many lawsuits, improper hiring, and the misguided and improper war on the health department puts their self congratulatory rhetoric in the propaganda category.
There is legitimate concern that in the rush to sing kumbaya, the new board not forget the wasted money and time the four Ottawa Impact commissioners were part of and now attempt to white wash.
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