Terrell no longer a city employee

The second shoe has fallen in the investigation into alleged misconduct by former Assistant City Manager Rick Buss and IT Manager Richard Terrell.

According to City of Maricopa Public Affairs Manager Jennifer Grentz, as of Friday, Aug. 31, Terrell is no longer employed with the city. When asked if Terrell had been fired or resigned, Grentz reiterated that Terrell was no longer an employee of the city.

Grentz added that Paul Jepson has taken over IT duties. Terrell, who did not receive a severance package, was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.

According to Grentz, “We have completed our portion of the investigation and all files have been turned over to DPS (Department of Public Safety). When contacted Friday, a DPS officer said they were looking into the matter.

“The Arizona Department of Public Safety is conducting an investigation into the matter,” Sgt. Tim Mason said. ” At this time I am not able to provide any details to you as the investigation is ongoing.”

Terrell and Buss had been suspended with pay and on administrative leave beginning Aug. 3.

Buss and the city parted company earlier this month. Buss walked away with a severance package that will pay him around $80,000 between now and Feb. 10, 2008.

Stay tuned to inmaricopa.com for more on this developing story.