SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Commission voted to reinstate its city manager after placing him on paid administrative leave nearly two months ago.
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Due diligence was at the center of discussion at the Springfield City Commission meeting on Tuesday night.
“The commission did everything we should have done,” Commissioner Andy Rigsbee said.
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The commission spent weeks deciding City Manager Bryan Heck’s future with the city. As News Center 7 previously reported, he was placed on leave in July.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Heck had been under investigation regarding an allegation of sexual misconduct.
Clark County Prosecutor Daniel Driscoll confirmed that his office would not bring criminal charges against Heck, citing insufficient evidence.
As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Mayor Rob Rue pushed for the city to reinstate Heck.
“The city needs stability; he’s a good decision-maker; he’s an excellent employer,” Rue said.
Assistant Mayor Tracey Tackett was the only one to vote against reinstating Heck.
“My vote is about protecting the city, its residents, and the integrity of the process,” Tackett said.
Commissioners Rigsbee, Larry Ricketts, and Chris Wallace supported Heck.
“As someone who has frequently clashed with him over the years, I think I sit sort of in a seat where I can look at things objectively,” Rigsbee said.
Heck was in the room when commissioners voted. After that, city employees and residents hugged him.
News Center 7’s Kylie Bridgeman asked to speak with Heck on camera, but he said he had nothing to say.
News Center 7 also reached out to Nathan Stuckey, the lawyer representing Heck, for comment. We have not received a response at the time of this report.
In a statement previously shared with News Center 7, Stuckey said he was “eager to return to work for this community.”
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