OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — Ottawa County’s deputy administrator is resigning.
In a letter obtained by FOX 17, Deputy County Administrator Patrick Waterman cites issues establishing a working relationship with County Administrator John Gibbs as one of the reasons for his resignation.
Waterman submitted his resignation letter on Monday.
In it, Waterman cites an inability to establish an effective working relationship with Gibbs as one of the reasons for his departure.
In his resignation letter, Waterman wrote, "My decision to resign stems from a deep concern regarding what I have viewed to be as a lack of effective leadership and an eroding culture of employee trust and support within the county."
Waterman’s resignation is effective August 4.
In a resignation notice to colleagues Waterman writes, “Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to establish an effective working relationship with Mr. Gibbs over the past 7 months. I do not feel as though my experience and abilities are valued or utilized by the current administration, and have come to the decision that it is time to move on.”
Waterman says he has accepted a position as deputy city manager for the city of Wyoming, working with John Shay.
Shay was ousted as the Ottawa County administrator in January and was replaced by Gibbs.
Shay announced in April he had been hired as Wyoming’s city manager.
Gibbs was the GOP candidate for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District in November but was defeated by Democrat Hillary Scholten.
The City of Wyoming posted the appointment of Waterman as Wyoming’s next deputy city manager on Facebook Tuesday afternoon.
This isn’t the first county official to report issues related to Gibbs.
Commissioner Jacob Bonnema previously filed an HR complaint after a verbal altercation before a commissioner meeting.
The HR complaint never raised to a level of harassment.
Following his complaint, several commissioners voted to censure Bonnema from one of his committee seats.
You can read Waterman’s full resignation letter below.
Gibbs released the following statement:
“I value Patrick Waterman’s contributions since he began working for Ottawa County eight months ago. I wish him the best in his new position. I received Patrick’s resignation on Monday, July 24, 2023 and he was placed on paid administrative leave effective July 25, 2023. Patrick’s employment with the County will officially end on August 4, 2023, as he requested.”
