SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 27, 2024) – We now know why Saugatuck needed to fill its operational leadership position so abruptly earlier this month.
In a Tuesday statement, the Lakeshore community announced the resignation of Ryan Heise as City Manager after just over three years on the job. On Feburary 6th, the city council appointed Planning & Zoning Administrator Ryan Cummins as acting city manager without any comment as to what had happened to Heise.
The Tuesday statement explained that Heise had planned as early as six months ago to move to Stillwater, Minnesota, where his wife’s family resides, and as he told Mayor Lauren Stanton, he wanted to consider new opportunities to grow in his career.
“The timing is excellent for the family to move. My wife and I are focused on raising our daughter surrounded by cousins her age and relying on the deep roster of family members for free day care. I was proud to be part of a team which includes dedicated council members, numerous board and committee members and first-class staff. Saugatuck will forever have a special place in my heart, and to all the wonderful people I’ve met in Saugatuck, this is not good-bye, it’s until I see you again.” – Ryan Heise
Heise came to Saugatuck from Egg Harbor, Wisconsin to replace Kirk Harrier, who had been Saugatuck’s operational leader for 14 years. Cummins will continue with his additional duties while the search is on to find a new City Manager.
The news media and the public aren’t being told the whole story by city officials. The manager isn’t “stepping down” for family reasons. That is just a ruse. Actually, the manager was given the option of being terminated or resign on his own. This story fails to mention the city council is paying the manager a 9-month payout for resigning. The amount to be paid to the manager is close to $100,000 of city taxpayer money. There is a separation agreement between the city and the manager that the council and their lawyers are trying to keep hush hush so the taxpayers don’t find out. So much for transparency. Send the city a FOIA and ask for the documents;)