Hastings fires city administrator but doesn’t say why

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Hastings City Council fired the city administrator on Monday night, with no explanation as to why.

Shawn Metcalf

Courtesy: City of Hastings

The council voted 6-1 to terminate Shawn Metcalf, who was previously placed on leave.

City Councilman Matt Fong said the city doesn’t comment on human resources decisions.

“We obviously regret the fact that we are here today, and know that this decision is not made lightly,” he said.

The council approved Mark Funkey as the interim city administrator.

Before the vote, a Hastings businessman urged the council to proceed with caution.

Scott Barwick said he has worked with Metcalf on many occasions.

“I have seen nothing but a stellar of a person,” he said. “And I do not know what’s going on. It’s not a public thing. But I think we need to seriously consider what we’re about to do because I think we’d be hard-pressed to find a better man for the job.”