news-record.com

GREENSBORO - It's the end of another year as city manager for Mitchell Johnson.

But before he celebrates his third anniversary as Greensboro's top employee, Johnson will face what could be a difficult evaluation from his bosses, the City Council.

As early as tonight, council members could meet in closed session to start reviewing the manager's performance.

Johnson, who rose from the ranks to become manager in 2005, has faced waves of criticism about his performance over the years.

In the past year, Johnson has been a central debate for a divided council. Three times since the current City Council was elected, members have proposed removing him, either by firing or demotion.

The motions, which were made by Councilwomen Trudy Wade and Mary Rakestraw, failed to gain the five votes necessary to remove Johnson.

In February, the council reached a compromise and asked the manager to improve communication with the council and resolve other problems within the city - issues Johnson said he is addressing.

Since then, the fervor to fire Johnson has faded but hasn't subsided.

"We are a poorly managed city right now. We communicate poorly. We lack accountability from top to bottom," Councilman Mike Barber said.

Barber has criticized Johnson taking too long to respond to requests for information and for making decisions Barber believes should be made by the council.

But Johnson also has his supporters.

"Mitch Johnson is not going to do anything right for the members of council who have come out and said they want to fire him," Councilman Robbie Perkins said.

The council's swing voters, Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Anderson Groat and Councilman Zack Matheny, could play a crucial role deciding Johnson's future.

Groat said Monday that it is not the time to hire a new manager.

"He is really trying to do what this council wants him to do," Groat said.

Matheny said he has seen improvements in the manager this year. He said Johnson did a good job launching a council-requested review of the police department and negotiating the pending purchases of Canada Dry and the Coliseum Inn. But Matheny wants the council to do an unbiased, complete evaluation of Johnson.

During his last two reviews, Johnson received raises. He now earns $179,000 annually, with a monthly $650 stipend for expenses.

If he is fired by the council, he would receive six months' pay and benefits as a severance package, according to his contract.

Johnson said he looks forward to sitting down with the council and charting a course for next year.

"I appreciate the opportunity to serve the council and will work to meet their needs," he said Monday. "I think we've gotten a lot accomplished in a year."

Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 or Amanda.lehmert@news-record.com