TRAVERSE CITY — A day after the announcement of Traverse City city manager Liz Vogel’s departure, public details still remain scarce.
A press release said that Vogel and the city had “mutually agreed” to part ways, but did not give further details.
Vogel said in a statement Thursday that she was proud of her work with the city, which spanned two annual budget cycles.
“I’m ready to move forward and remain committed to public service,” she said. “I thank the people of Traverse City, the dedicated city staff, and our community partners for the opportunity to serve.”
Mayor Amy Shamroe said in a statement that she remains grateful for Vogel’s work over the last 20 months.
“Her efforts during a critical time helped move several important initiatives forward,” she said. “We wish her all the best in her next chapter.”
Vogel previously served as administrator and chief financial officer for Missaukee County and deputy supervisor for Clinton Township.
Neither Vogel nor the city have given a reason for her departure.
Vogel received a salary of $175,000 in her role.
A memo from the city revealed that Vogel is slated to receive a $98,000 severance package.
That figure, coupled with her unused time off being paid out, will total more than $110,000.
In another section of the separation document, Vogel agrees to never apply for employment with the city again, unless elected or appointed to a position.
Vogel was announced as the new city manager in October 2023 and officially came into the role in January 2024.
She took over the role from interim city manager Nate Geinzer, who temporarily filled the position after the March 2023 departure of Marty Colburn.
Colburn served as top administrator starting in 2015. He was also paid severance to the tune of around $100,000.
Initially following Colburn’s departure, Traverse City clerk Benjamin Marentette was selected for the position in September 2023, but turned down the role a week later.
He’s stayed as Traverse City clerk since then, and Liz Vogel was brought in soon after.
Recent city commission meetings offered few details on Vogel’s departure.
Vogel was present at the June 16 meeting, after which she said she would take a medical leave of absence for three weeks.
The city commission held a special meeting on July 2, during which they entered closed session to discuss a matter including attorney-client communications.
Vogel’s contract required an annual performance review in the first half of the year, but it is unclear whether that report materialized.
No other details are publicly available at this time, and 9&10 news has not been able to reach Vogel or Traverse City city attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht for comment.
The commission is set to hold a special meeting on Monday, July 14, to discuss the departure and likely appoint an interim city manager.