Yet another senior manager is out the door at Sooke City Hall.
Corporate officer Bonnie Sprinkling has left the employ of the district – the third senior manager to leave the district since chief administrative officer Teresa Sullivan was hired 1.5 months ago.
Sprinkling, who was with the district for 16 years, was paid $96,998 in 2014, according to district financial statements.
Former finance director Michael Dillabaugh, who was paid $112,789, resigned a few weeks after Sullivan was hired. He took a similar position with View Royal.
His position has been filled temporarily by Brent Blackhall, who was the assistant director of finance. He was paid $91,728 in 2014.
Dillabaugh’s exit was followed in mid-January by the departure of municipal engineer Elisabeth Nelson. She was paid $117,441 in 2014.
Besides the senior managers, Gord Howie, former CAO, decided not to renew his contract with the district on what was termed by “mutual agreement.”
Sullivan refused to discuss personnel issues.
“Mayor and council and staff do not discuss human resource and personnel matter. We are bound by legislation under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act,” she said.
Mayor Maja Tait, who is on a leave of absence from council, would not talk about specific personnel changes, but added change occurs in every organization.
“To me it’s always a concern when you lose people with tenure. You lose corporate experience and knowledge and that’s a strong asset for any organization. It’s not easily replaced because it comes with being on the job,” she said.
Acting mayor Kerrie Reay said she would not respond to the recent staff changes due to privacy concerns.
“The best policy for council and staff is to not respond to it. [Individual] privacy always come first,” she said.