Hallam, who has been with the city since 2001, has been Oakdale’s city manager since 2006.

Mayor Pat Paul said in a prepared statement that Hallam’s release was not for cause, but that the city “was simply seeking a new direction for the city at this time.”

Hallam’s evaluation has been on city council agendas for the past few months.

“It’s a new council,” said Paul when contacted by phone on Monday. “Steve has served us well, but we have new ideas.”

A source within the city on the condition of anonymity said that part of the decision to release Hallam centered on increased lawsuit costs and what was termed Hallam’s “elevated salary.”

Paul said that Fire Chief Mike Botto would be taking over day-to-day duties on an interim basis until a new city manager is appointed.

 See the April 27 issue of The Leader for the full story.