MASON — City officials have worked out a separation agreement with former fire chief H. Michael Drumm that will cost the city up to $35,000.

        Mr. Drumm quit May 5 at the request of City Manager Scot Lahrmer, who said the former chief was not a “good fit” for the department.

        Under the deal, both sides agreed not to take any legal action. Mr. Drumm will receive up to 6 months of his annual $58,000 salary and medical coverage until he finds a job that pays at least the equivalent of his last salary.

        Mr. Drumm, who has moved back to his Chicago-area home and was unavailable for comment, also will receive:

        • A $4,000 lump sum for moving and related expenses.

        • Reimbursement for legal expenses up to $2,000 incurred while negotiating the agreement.

        • A favorable reference from the city for future employers.

        “It was unfortunate that things did not work out,” said Vice Mayor James Fox. “I think there is an obligation to try to work out some sort of agreement that doesn't leave him or the city high and dry.”

        City Council passed an ordinance after a closed-door session late Monday authorizing Law Director Ken Schneider to work out the details of Mr. Drumm's severance package.

        Meanwhile, firefighters are grappling with low morale in this department of 70-plus people.

        Mr. Drumm, formerly the chief in Markham, Ill., was Mason's third fire chief in five months.

        Mr. Drumm had been criticized by the Coalition of Mason Taxpayers for some changes he made in his less than three months on the job.

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