Chris Allgood has announced his resignation from the Caldwell City Council after an issue and “miscommunication” over retirement benefits.
In a letter submitted to Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas, Allgood wrote, “Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am forced to vacate my seat on the Caldwell City Council. I worked hard to become a Councilman and the people of Caldwell supported me. This is not something I am doing willingly,”
Allgood retired as the City of Caldwell’s Chief of Police in December and took a seat on the city council in early January.
However, Allgood received a letter from a manager at PERSI dated January 22nd explaining that his retirement benefits through the police department would be stopped after being appointed to the council.
Allgood apparently working with Human Resources Director Monica Jones relied on information from a PERSI representative regarding the application process. They believed that the representative would have informed Allgood if there was an issue with his benefits.
“At no point during this transition period was Mr. Allgood or I informed that he would have to forfeit his retirement benefits once he became a city councilmember,” said Jones. “A manager at PERSI overrode the decision and processing of Allgood’s retirement paperwork and it was determined that he was not eligible to receive his retirement benefits while serving as a Caldwell City Councilmember,” Jones explained.
A 90-day break was required to be eligible for the PERSI benefits between the two positions.
“They are requiring me to make a choice between receiving my retirement benefits and my job as a councilman,” wrote Allgood in his resignation letter. “I feel I have a lot to offer this city and do not want to walk away from all we have accomplished.”
Allgood’s resignation is effective January 29th. “It is with deep regret that we accept Chris Allgood’s resignation as Caldwell City Council Member,” said Jones.
Mayor Nancolas commented, “This is such an unfortunate situation. I was looking forward to working with Chris as a member of the council. I have complete confidence that both he and Monica did everything in good faith and that this was unintentional. It is just a very unfortunate situation in which he was given inaccurate information. Our city attorneys will be reviewing PERSI’s determination in this matter and working to ensure that we are following the appropriate process and procedures going forward. I know Chris is taking care of his family right now and that is most important.”
