HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – More facts are apparently coming out about the departure of a long-time Holland city staffer.
Both the Holland Sentinel and M-Live cite documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act in reporting details that may have led Anna Perales to accept a resignation settlement with the city last month. The then-Deputy City Clerk claimed that the husband of Mayor Nancy DeBoer grabbed her arm violently following the November 13th swearing in ceremony, claims that proved to be unfounded after an internal investigation was conducted.
The incident led city Human Resources Director Jennifer Orme to write a letter to Perales, stating that her “dishonesty severely compromised” her integrity and that the city “has lost confidence” in her ability to “properly, professionally and effectively” perform her job duties. Perales, who could have been discharged from her position after 17 years at the post as a result of this incident, accepted instead a settlement on December 13th of over 18 thousand dollars in a lump sum payment, which represented about three months salary, along with more than eight thousand dollars in paid time off due.
Neither the city nor Perales has commented on these reports, citing a confidentiality clause in the agreement. Tim Vagle continues to serve as the City Clerk, with no word from the city as to when or if the Deputy City Clerk’s position will be refilled.