The city manager of Buchanan is suspended, residents are complaining, and the public is seeking an explanation.
Buchanan City Manager Ben Eldridge, who was just hired in May, was suspended by Mayor Sean Denison this month. A statement from the city a few days later says the issues with Eldridge are confidential, and the public will be updated at the appropriate time.
At a packed meeting this week, former Berrien County Commissioner Don Ryman addressed city commissioners, complaining the commission is driving the city into bankruptcy while Eldridge was trying to save money. Ryman told us Wednesday he doesn’t believe the mayor has the authority to suspend the city manager and the commission has not been transparent. He says the city has gone through too many managers, often having to give them payouts, and this will just be another unnecessary expense.
Ryman was just one to speak at this week’s meeting, with others praising Eldridge. City commissioners say more information will be revealed when it’s appropriate, after the proper procedures have been followed.
Some residents have threatened to initiate a recall against the mayor.
