Bedford city manager abruptly retires

City Manager Beverly Griffith abruptly retired late Tuesday after the City Council met in executive session for almost two hours.

The posted agenda included Griffith’s annual performance review as an item for discussion in closed session.

Back in the public meeting, the council voted unanimously without discussion to accept Griffith’s retirement, effective immediately.

Police Chief Roger Gibson was named interim city manager.

The reason for Griffith’s sudden departure was not clear. She could not be reached to comment after the meeting.

Mayor Jim Griffin said after the meeting that Griffith and the council came to a “mutual understanding.”

“It was time for a new direction and a new course for the city,” Griffin said.

Griffith will receive her salary plus a car allowance for one year.

Griffith worked for Bedford for almost 20 years, the mayor said.

Elizabeth Campbell, 817-390-7696

This story was originally published February 10, 2015 at 11:07 PM with the headline "Bedford city manager abruptly retires."