The city of Richmond Hill has finalized a severance package with former city manager Mike Melton.

At a called meeting Monday, the City Council voted 3-0 to approve a separation and release agreement in the form of a resolution that includes a severance package. Council member John Fesperman was not at the meeting.

“Further resolved that the removal of the city manager is made final as provided in the separation and release agreement,” Council member Van Hunter read from the resolution.

Melton, whose annual salary was $102,876, according to City Hall, will receive two months salary as severance pay and also will be paid for 357 hours of accrued or carried-over leave, according to the agreement.

This agreement comes after the council voted 3-1 on Jan. 3 to declare Melton’s contract null and void. The council cited conflicts with the city’s charter as a reason for his termination.

Melton accepted the agreement Jan. 18, which eliminated the need for an employment appeal hearing originally set for Jan. 19.

Mayor Harold Fowler previously said the council may appoint a current department head to serve as acting manager while the position is being advertised. The council may also appoint a current department head to fill the position permanently.

The new city manager would fall under the guidelines of the new city charter, which is up for a second reading at the council’s Feb. 7 meeting before heading to the state Legislature for final approval. If passed, the new charter will create a “strong mayor/weak manager” form of government.