City Manager Pederson to Stay On Until May

Paducah City Manager Jeff Pederson has agreed to delay his resignation until May of next year, after city commissioners voted to approve an extension to his employment.

The board returned from closed session Tuesday evening and voted to extend Pederson's employment agreement through May 15, 2018. After discussing options for an interim city manager, the board decided that extending Pederson's contract through the budget season would be a good idea as the city deals with a $2.3 million pension burden.
 
"I am pleased to continue my service with the City of Paducah and am committed to working with the board and department directors in navigating through the upcoming budget challenges," Pederson said. "Even though we are facing a burden due to the pension crisis, we are dedicated to providing exemplary core services and organizational advancement." 

Mayor Brandi Harless and a majority of commissioners asked Pederson to resign in November. Pederson had already agreed to stay on until January 12 to help with the transition period.