By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
After a tumultuous weekend, Park City husband and wife commissioners Mike Burgess and Linda Burgess have withdrawn their resignations and will remain on the commission.
The resignations were initially sent to Mayor Donna Scavo via text on Friday, Jan. 9, wherein Mike Burgess wrote that he was resigning his position immediately. Under municipal procedure, a physical, signed letter is required before any action can be taken.
The couple came to city hall Monday afternoon to submit their letters, at which point Scavo, along with other city staff, expressed gratitude to the Burgesses. Following further discussion, the couple decided to remain on the commission, according to Scavo.
“I asked Mike if he was sure this was what he wanted to do,” Scavo said. “It didn’t take but a couple minutes of conversation for them to find out this wasn’t what they wanted to do.”
Mike Burgess told Glasgow News 1 that the support expressed over the weekend by community members also contributed to the pair’s decision to remain on the commission.
As previously reported, the letters cited stressors in the couple’s personal lives, along with complaints regarding a married couple serving on the same commission. Scavo said miscommunication compounded by personal stress contributed to the couple’s initial intent to resign.
The catalyst for the resignations stemmed from a message Scavo sent to Mike Burgess regarding his contract with the city, in which he assisted the city’s auditor with financial reporting. As the audit neared completion, Scavo informed Mike Burgess that his services would no longer be needed under the contract.
“All of it just hit him at once,” Scavo said.
“I know Mike well enough to know when he’s really upset, and he was,” she added. “When you’re stressed and someone says something, you’re going to take it the worst way.”
Both Burgesses attended the special-called meeting Monday evening. While the meeting was well attended, the matter of the resignations was not addressed, according to Scavo.
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