Town quiet on cost of severance

The Town of Fort Erie remains quiet on what it cost to part ways with its former lawyer Heather Salter.

And while she’s enjoying her time off — after being let go from her position following a 4-3 vote of council — Salter thinks it’s about time politicians come clean.

In several closed session meetings earlier this year, Salter was the topic of discussion, but very few details about her position being on the chopping block were ever disclosed to the public.

All that is known now is that the former solicitor and the municipality have come to a resolution.

“I’m moving forward,” said Salter in an interview Monday.

She has received a financial settlement but is not legally able to say how much she was paid to leave or, more specifically, the reasons for her termination.

Salter simply explained that she is no longer employed with the town because the majority of council wanted to see her go.

“That was their prerogative and that’s what they did,” she said.

For three months, a handful of meetings were held to work on an agreement and in the end, one was recently reached.

While Salter is not inclined to discuss details, she feels the public has the right to know what unfolded, other than just the explanation that she has received a settlement.

“For the public, that’s not particularly satisfactory ... I know there’s a lot of questions.”

Now that the process is behind her, she said it’s up to elected officials to give further explanation.

“That needs to be pursued at town hall. That’s where the answers are.”

Salter said it’s “totally reasonable” for the community to keep asking for more specific information about the matter.

“This is taxpayers’ money and they have an interest when a senior manager is dismissed like that.”

For now, Salter will be spending time with her family and will most likely look for new employment in a few months.

In a press release issued by the town Friday, biographical information about Salter was provided with comments from interim chief administrative officer Ron Tripp.

“Through her efforts, the organization has accomplished initiatives that will transform this community in the future. We wish her well in her future endeavours,” said Tripp.