WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — Although Wichita Falls City Manager Darren Leiker’s resignation became official on August 23, he is still a city employee with full pay as a management liaison until next January, according to terms in his separation agreement.

We obtained the agreement through a public information records request. We also obtained the letter sent to Leiker following a city council executive session on Aug. 6, which led to his resignation.

The letter, signed by Mayor Tim Short and Councilors Mike Battaglino, Larry Nelson, and Bobby Whiteley, states they did a job evaluation of Leiker, and while they appreciate his 22 years of service, they believe it is time for a change in leadership and suggested the best course of action is for him to resign, and that it was a suggestion only, not a formal vote to terminate.

The compensation aspect of the agreement states that Leiker will remain employed as a management liaison until January 10, 2025, with all salary and benefits under his previous contract, including expenses to attend a city manager conference in September.

The employment does not require Leiker to be physically present in a city office but only be available to assist and consult in transitioning the new city manager when requested.

He will also receive an anticipated 5% cost-of-living increase in pay on October 1 and a lump sum payment for any used leave.

He will also receive a lump sum severance cash payment of $611,277, reflecting 18 months of total compensation, in consideration of his service and his termination of employment without cause.

His medical insurance will be paid for COBRA coverage for 18 months.

The terms of the separation agreement reflect what was agreed to in his last employment agreement with the city.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.