Cadiz council accepts Ludwig resignation, approves interim role

While the village of Cadiz’s first executive session was being held during the March 26 meeting, a rumor spread that Village Administrator Brandon Ludwig was resigning. Ludwig was approached because he was not in that session, but he did not give a reason, saying only, “When it’s time, it’s time.”

Council returned from that first session and continued the meeting until a second executive session later in the evening. After that session, council announced Ludwig’s official resignation.

“As all of village council has received, the village administrator has submitted his letter of resignation, so I’m going to make a motion, sadly, to accept said letter of recommendation,” Deluca said.

Ludwig’s resignation was to take effect April 4. Deluca thanked Ludwig for his service and, while saying he wanted to maintain proper status in the village, asked Ludwig on behalf of council to stay on as interim administrator for up to 20 hours per week.

Deluca said the arrangement would continue until Ludwig found other employment or until the village hired and fully trained a new administrator. He said Ludwig’s interim rate would be $50 per hour and that, as a contract employee, he would receive no benefits. Ludwig accepted and said the village was very dear to him.

“This village is very dear to me, so I would do anything to make the process and the transition as smooth as possible,” Ludwig told council.

The following Monday, Ludwig provided a statement by text saying that, “After thoughtful consideration,” he felt it was the appropriate time “for a transition in leadership.”

“It has been an honor to serve in this capacity and to contribute to the day-to-day operations and long-term initiatives of the village,” Ludwig said. “I am thankful for the collaboration with village leadership, staff, and members of the community during my time in this role.”

Ludwig said he is now focused on a smooth transition in the weeks ahead.

“I wish the village continued success and appreciate the opportunity to have been of service,” Ludwig said in closing.

Days later, Deluca explained what he meant by maintaining proper status in the village. He said Ludwig has been the “cornerstone” in ongoing water and sewer projects involving the EPA, the village’s engineering firm, and the water and sewer departments. The village remains under EPA restrictions resulting from problems dating back many years.

“He has been managing a number of the phased projects since he started, so keeping him on as a contracted interim administrator while we search for, and then hire, a new administrator … is critical to keep the village progressing toward a completely renovated … water and sewer infrastructure in the village,” Deluca said in a text.

Deluca’s motion to extend an interim contract to Ludwig effective April 5 was approved unanimously.