WASHINGTON, N.C. (WITN) - Washington City Council this morning unanimously approved a buyout for its city manager, at a cost of $140,067.

Jonathan Russell announced his resignation on Monday after being the city manager for the past seven years.

Russell says certain political behaviors during the recent local election did not align with his professional standards.

“I found it inappropriate for a candidate to make a direct threat to a city employee’s job as part of campaign rhetoric,” Russell said. “I have been in this field long enough to recognize when a political environment is shifting in a way that doesn’t align with how I lead.”

The buyout includes salary, insurance, and retirement payments.

Municipal elections on November 4th brought about a big change for the city. Mayor Donald

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