Buss, Terrell suspended with pay over ‘allegations of misconduct’

Assistant City Manager Rick Buss and Information Technologies and Telecommunications Manager Richard Terrell have been suspended for “allegations of misconduct.”

Buss said late Friday morning he is “dumbfounded” by the decision.

“I have absolutely no idea what is going on,” Buss said. Buss said he called Interim City Manager Roger Kolman on another matter Thursday evening and was told that he is on administrative leave with pay pending something about reportings. “That’s all I know,” Buss said. “Nobody is talking and I have no idea what is going on. Shouldn’t I be told what is going on?”

Jennifer Grentz, Maricopa public affairs manager, said that the two were suspended with pay over “allegations of misconduct” and put on administrative leave “so their rights are protected.” She had little more information. “It’s in the Human Capital and Legal departments,” Grentz said. “They’re doing an investigation.”

Buss said he tried to contact both Kolman and Mayor Kelly Anderson Friday morning, but has gotten voice mails and no response.

“We have absolutely no idea if there is a complaint or whatever it is,” Buss said. “Our policies require that they tell us if there is a complaint, etc.”

Buss, who said he would have legal counsel, noted he was at work Thursday and had no inklings this was coming.

“I don’t think you can do this without notifying people about what it is about,” Buss said. “I thought the transition (Kolman taking over as interim city manager and Buss becoming assistant city manager) was going just fine.”

Buss said he talked to Terrell and he had no idea why he was put on leave either.

Photo by Aaron Thacker