The former General Manager, Pat Holley, had announced his resignation following a formal review process, with his last day with the utility as July 5th. Though in that announcement the reasoning for his departure was to “focus on his family and potential new professional opportunities.” Yet, during the board’s July 25th meeting following the closed session, it was reported that Holley had claimed he experienced age discrimination from a board member. The claim states that it occurred in January of 2021 when he applied for the role of General Manager, where that board member referenced his age, commenting that Holley was “in the twilight” of his career.
Holley also alleges a younger candidate since his hire has searched for complaints and allegations against him, and says in the claim, “Based on those allegations, the board of directors forced his resignation on June 27th.
The LMUD board of directors unanimously approved settling his civil rights claim, allowing Holley 18 months of his salary at the time of his resignation, amounting to 226,000 annually. Following a performance evaluation, Holley received this 8% pay raise in June last year. Holley will also receive in the settlement healthcare benefits equal to the benefits he was receiving before his resignation for up to 18 months or until he accepts other employment.
Still, in draft form, the settlement details are expected to be completed within the next 24 hours.
While the Operations and Business managers assume the duties of General manager in the interim, the board unanimously approved to begin the search for a new general Manager with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
