LEBANON — City Council will make a final try tonight at deciding whether and how to soften the landing for the city manager and another top official being pushed out.

IF YOU GO

What: Lebanon City Council special meeting     When: 7:30 tonight     Where: City building, 50 S. Broadway

        City Manager James Patrick and City Auditor Greg Dixon would each get six months' salary and benefits under a proposal by their attorneys.

        It also calls for the city to pay legal fees related to Mr. Patrick's upcoming trial on felony charges of aiding and abetting theft in office.

        Council delayed action Tuesday night to give the men's attorneys time to review a new draft written by the city.

        The new version would eliminate payment of Mr. Patrick's defense fees because that's illegal, several council members said. However, it would give Mr. Patrick an additional, undetermined lump sum at the end of six months.

        A majority of council members support the city manager, and they are trying to ensure he gets a favorable agreement before they step down Monday. The same goes for Mr. Dixon, who worked closely with Mr. Patrick.

        The three newcomers who defeated council members Mark Flick, Jane Davenport and James Mills on Nov. 6 are expected to tilt the balance in favor of firing the two men.

        Councilman Ben Cole — the fifth vote needed to pass emergency legislation — said he supports paying salary and benefits but not additional money for Mr. Patrick.
       
       

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