Konawa —
The Konawa City Council fired City Manager Rita LoPresto last week and appointed the town’s police chief to replace her.
The council discussed several issues related to LoPresto’s job during a Feb. 14 closed session which was part of the council’s regularly scheduled meeting. After returning to the open meeting, the council voted 3-1 to fire LoPresto.
Mayor Virginia Simms confirmed the firing on Thursday, but she said she could not comment on the issues that were discussed during the closed session.
Later in the meeting, the council voted 4-0 to appoint Police Chief Joe Leeds as the interim city manager, starting immediately. His salary will be set at another council meeting which has not been scheduled yet.
Former Police Chief Cris Epperley has rescinded his resignation and will serve as the new chief.
Simms said the city officials may advertise the manager’s position and interview eligible candidates at some point.
“It’s not going to be anytime real soon, I don’t believe,” she said.
An attempt to reach Councilwoman Lindsey Johnston, who voted against the decision to fire LoPresto, for comment was unsuccessful.
The council normally has five members, but one of the positions is currently vacant.
LoPresto served as the city manager for nearly six years, starting in 2007, according to deputy city clerk Anita Aldridge. She was currently earning $32,000 a year.
LoPresto declined to comment about her firing when reached by The Ada News.
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