Opa-locka commissioners last week voted to fire longtime City Clerk Deborah Irby, but delayed action on proposals to also fire the city manager and city attorney.

Irby, who has been City Clerk for 18 years, will receive more than $200,000 in severance pay under the terms of her employment contract.

Commissioner Timothy Holmes proposed dismissing Irby “without cause.” He gave no reason for his proposal.

Commissioners approved the firing in a 3-2 vote. Holmes joined Mayor Myra Taylor and Commissioner Rose Tydus in voting for the termination, while Vice Mayor Dorothy Johnson and Commissioner Gail Miller dissented. Both argued that if there were no reason for Irby’s dismissal, then it shouldn’t occur.

“Don’t fire me for something I didn’t do, fire me for something I did,” said Miller. “This is ridiculous and I’m not going to support it.”

Under Irby’s contract, she must be paid nine months of salary plus any accrued vacation time or sick days, according to City Attorney Joseph Geller. That worked out to $237,628 to be paid in one lump sum. The council had to take a special vote to authorize the payment.

The commission named Assistant City Clerk Joanna Flores, who has been with the city since 1998, as interim city clerk. The search for a new city clerk will begin after the next commission meeting.

Meanwhile, commissioners delayed action on Holmes’ proposal to fire City Manager Bryan Finnie, and Miller’s proposal to dismiss attorney Geller, an outside contractor from the law firm Greenspoon Marder.

A Jan. 11 resolution submitted by Holmes to remove Finnie cited “a lack of confidence.” But Johnson suggested first holding a public hearing.

Johnson added that Geller had not seen the charges being brought against him.

According to Miller, Geller is one reason the city is currently facing several lawsuits.

“He’s not doing his job. This is why we’re being sued so much,” said Miller.

Tydus said it was embarrassing for the City Commission to consider firing three top officials at one meeting.

“To put on the agenda the termination of three key people like this – we are the laughing stock of Dade County and the professional community,” Tydus said.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 22.