SAULT STE. MARIE — The city is once again without a Downtown Development Authority director after the DDA board voted Thursday night to fire Jon De Roo.
De Roo, who was hired in July, had served less than four months in the position. Before his hiring, the city had gone 18 months without a director.
Several community members spoke during the meeting, with some praising De Roo’s early work and others criticizing what they described as unprofessional comments directed toward them, certain business owners, a board member, and city officials.
After hearing public comment and remarks from De Roo, the board voted 4-3 to terminate his employment.
Local business owner Ray Bell, who cast his first vote as the new board chairman, supported a reprimand instead of termination.
“I personally did not like the way this was handled,” Bell said. “Unfortunately and ultimately the board decided to terminate Mr. De Roo’s contract. In some ways, it was already decided before I stepped into this room on what the votes would be.”
Bell said the board will begin searching for a new director immediately.