Kalamazoo County confirms airport director on paid leave; contract details terms of severance

KALAMAZOO, MI — While attorneys for Kalamazoo County and Cliff Moshoginis are discussing his separation from employment as director of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, his leave will be paid. 

On Tuesday, the Kalamazoo County aeronautics board voted unanimously to allow its attorneys begin discussing separation from employment with the attorneys of Cliff Moshoginis, who has been on leave since at least Sept. 9.

Thom Canny, Kalamazoo County's corporate counsel, confirmed Wednesday that Moshoginis' leave is paid.

The airport director's employment status has been in question since it was reported nearly two weeks ago that an employee had filed a harassment complaint against him.

Under terms of Moshoginis' contract, which shows he is set to make $103,792 this year, he can be fired for "cause" or determine to leave on his own for "good reason."

MORE: Read Moshoginis' contract.

Cause is defined as: "...intentional conduct that is not in the best interest of the airport and/or contrary to the directions given or the policies established by the board, or deficient performance that continues after warning."

Good reason is defined as either: "A material reduction in salary or a substantial reduction in overall benefits package..." or "elimination of the Airport Director position, as currently defined."

If he left for good reason, Moshoginis could be eligible for severance benefits which include: "continuation of base salary for 24 weeks ..." and "the county's portion of Moshoginis' current medical benefits and life insurance premiums during the severance pay period, or until he obtains other employment ... ." Vacation and holidays are also prorated to the date of termination.

The contract dictates that any claim or controversy arising from the agreement be settled in arbitration.

Earlier this year in a similar case, an arbitrator ruled in favor of the Portage Public Schools Board of Education in a claim filed by Ric Perry, the school district's former superintendent. Perry said he was unfairly forced out of his position when he was put on leave after an investigation found he was having an affair with the district's human resources director.

It's possible the aernautics board could reach a settlement with Moshoginis that could provide some form of severance while preventing him from suing the board.

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