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Pahrump Town Board member Frank Maurizio has placed an item on Tuesday's meeting agenda to discuss and possibly decide whether to terminate the employment of Town Manager Bill Kohbarger without cause.

On June 8, at a special town board meeting to approve Kohbarger's job review, Maurizio was given a petition to remove Kohbarger from office by a representative of Concerned Citizens for a Safe Community. The petition contained 131 signatures.

The reasons for removal stated in the petition included: "behavior unbecoming of a town official; unethical conduct; making false statements through the news media to the public and to the sheriff's department, rude and malicious attitude; committing character assassination and slander."

Since Kohbarger is not an elected official he cannot be recalled and while a petition may be a measurement of sorts, it does not require any official action. However, Kohbarger's contract with the town can be canceled by a majority vote of the town board.

None of the board members would reveal how they intend to vote. Vicky Parker said, "I'm talking to people all week because this isn't something I am in a hurry to decide."

Frank Maurizio said he introduced the item at the public's request and could not comment further. Mike Darby also had no comment. Bill Dolan said, "I don't want to weigh in on it right now." Chairman Nicole Shupp is out of town and announced at the last board meeting she would not be attending.

Should he be let go, Kohbarger's contract states he would be paid a lump sum cash severance payment equivalent to six months. His yearly pay is $105,000. He would also be paid for any annual and sick leave accrued.

During the six months following termination without cause, Kohbarger would also continue to have certain paid benefits such as health insurance for himself and his dependants. Outplacement services would also be available up to an amount of $5,000.

On Thursday, Kohbarger did not want to comment about the agenda item. However, when asked if the reason his home was placed on the market two weeks ago was because he anticipated such a move by the board, he answered, "No."

He said the value of his home has gone up $109,000 since he bought it this year in February as a repossessed property, and putting it up for sale was a purely financial move.

"Two homes right down the street sold for the same amount we have our home up for and we stand to make a lot of money," Kohbarger said. "We thought we could downsize, lower our mortgage, by buying a smaller home and use the money to pay off all our bills. It has nothing to do with the job."

Kohbarger has stated many times he plans to remain in Pahrump for at least five years.

"I think this is a great town," he said. "I have a great staff to work with, and there are some real good people in this town. I see a great deal of potential here."