Jared Miller/Photo by Noah Dawson
Jared Miller is no longer Amarillo’s City Manager.
A separation agreement between Jared Miller (who sat in the audience rather than on the dias) and the city was approved by Amarillo City Council. His employment was officially ending his employment as city manager officially ended after paperwork was signed following the vote.
The council also discussed naming deputy city manager Andrew Freeman as an interim replacement pending a search for a more permanent replacement. No official action was taken, though, as deputy city manager, Freeman was already tasked with acting as city manager in Miller's absence.
Miller has been one of the most controversial figures at City Hall since he was hired in 2017. He joined the city shortly before Ginger Nelson was first elected as mayor. Former mayor Paul Harpole, who was mayor when Miller was hired, appeared to speak in support of Miller during public comment.
Miller was seen by many as a key ally of Nelson, earning him the ire of many of Nelson's critics. Tensions came to a head shortly before Cole Stanley was elected as mayor earlier this year, when the outgoing council renegotiated Miller's contract to make it more difficult to fire him. Stanley, who was then serving as Councilman Place 1, was the only member of the council who voted against the amended contract.
The move came after a two-day executive session to discuss the item. The motion to approve the agreement was made by Councilman Place 3 Tom Scherlen and was seconded by Councilman Place 1 Josh Craft. The vote was unanimous.
Mayor Stanley noted that Miller is not being terminated for cause and that the separation agreement follows Miller's employment contract. The Amarillo Pioneer has requested a copy of the separation agreement and will provide an update once it is received.
UPDATE 8/23/2023 8:57 pm:
The Amarillo Pioneer has obtained a copy of the separation agreement. Click here to read our story on the details of the agreement.