Severance package proposed for former communication center head

Mike Sullivan, who recently resigned as executive director of Johnson County's joint emergency communication center following his drunken driving arrest, would receive his full salary and benefits through July 31 under a proposed severance package.

The communication center's policy board, which oversees its operations, will vote on the severance package at a meeting May 17.

Sullivan's annual salary was $82,514.

Sullivan also would be reimbursed the cost of COBRA premiums, the policy board would not challenge any application for unemployment benefits and Sullivan would release all claims against the board and the city of Iowa City, according to a copy of the agreement released Tuesday.

The seven-member board is made up of representatives from Johnson County and the cities of Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty.

The center is funded by a countywide property tax levy.

Sullivan resigned April 25 following his arrest on a drunken driving charge three days before. Police said Sullivan failed field sobriety tests and initially blew a .256 during a preliminary breath test. The legal limit to drive in Iowa is .08.