In a special council meeting Thursday night, SeaTac City Council removed Craig Ward as city manager and removed him from his duties, effective immediately.

Assistant City Manager Todd Cutts was designated the acting city manager. Cutts previously served as the city's economic development manager.

The moves followed a 45-minute executive session.

A proposition to eliminate the city manager position and replace it with an elected mayor is on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

Three council candidates, Pam Fernald, Rick Forschler and Michael Kovacs, have been highly critical of Ward's handling of city government and endorsed the measure.

Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher has also expressed support for the elected mayor proposition.

On Sept. 22, council members modified Ward's employment agreement terminating his contract on Dec. 31, unless extended by written mutual agreement.

The agreement also provided that Ward would receive all earned vacation leave and the city would pay three months of COBRA medical, dental and vision benefits when he leaves.

Mayor Ralph Shape told the Times/News the previous termination agreement is subject to further negotiation.

Ward and city staffers have been increasingly under fire for cost overruns on fire station construction, a critical state auditor's report, a controversial tree retention ordinance and the possible condemnation of a private parking lot.

Critics also pointed out that Ward lives in Tacoma, not SeaTac.

Shape said council members felt the move "was in the best interests of the city." The vote was unanimous.

The mayor noted Ward has been "an outstanding employee" for the 15 years he has worked for the city of SeaTac.

"We appreciate the benefits to the city of SeaTac derived from his work," Shape added.

Kovacs told the Times/News he believes the sudden suspension was "politically motivated to garner more votes against the proposition."