McCarthy lawyers up after dismissal

Cordele's former city manager demands entire salary paid or threatens lawsuit

CORDELE, GA – As Cordele City Commissioners grapple with their new found problem of paying their bills after firing former city manager Roland McCarthy Tuesday night, McCarthy says he has hired an attorney for any future litigation that may be necessary.

Thursday afternoon, city commissioners huddled for a hastily called special meeting, focusing on finances per Commission Chairman Joshua Deriso.

After McCarthy’s ouster Tuesday night, it appears thee’s no one currently able to sign checks for city vendors.

There’s also concern that the Friday, January 14th pay day for city employees may be delayed, due to the personnel changes.

Newly hired Cordele City Manager Angela Redding doesn’t start on the job until January 12th.

McCarthy was fired Tuesday night in the commission’s first order of business.

The 60 year old McCarthy says his dismissal was purely based on race and not performance.

After the most recent election, Cordele’s City Commission now has a 4-1 African American majority.

Tuesday night, the commission rescinded McCarthy’s contract, which was extended on December 21st, during the last commission meeting chaired by former commissioner John Wiggins.

McCarthy tells South Georgia Television News that if he is not paid in full of what his annual contract calls for, he will sue the city.

Cordele’s city manager position pays $103,000 per year.