Willmar, Minn., Municipal Utilities Commission votes 5-2 to terminate GM

WILLMAR -- The Willmar Municipal Utilities Commission has voted 5-2 to terminate General Manager Bruce Gomm with cause.

A lawyer advising the commission earlier in today's meeting presented an investigative report and told the commission the report shows sufficient cause for termination. Under Gomm's contract, no severance is required if he is terminated with cause.

Commissioners Jerry Gesch and Carol Laumer voted against the motion to terminate with cause.

A motion to extend Gomm's administrative leave 30 days -- a 30-day notice of termination is required by his contract -- passed 6-1. Gesch voted no.

A motion to deliver a letter today to Gomm notifying him of the termination as of March 27 passed 6-1. Gesch voted no.

The commission Dec. 12 placed Gomm on 30-day paid administrative after holding a closed meeting to give preliminary consideration of possible misconduct.

This is an update. Watch www.wctrib.com for more on this story.