The City of Houston electrical department supervisor was placed on administrative leave during a closed Houston City Council meeting on Monday.
Michael Williams was placed on leave through a unanimous vote (Ward II Alderwoman Ann Tottingham abstained), in which he also received a severance offer and May 31 termination date.
“The decision was made based on a liability issue,” said Mayor Sam Kelley. “The city has received numerous reports of near accidents and wants to avoid any future liability.”
Williams became the electrical supervisor after the June 1996 retirement of Mike Sparks.
Travis Lunbeck, a journeyman lineman who has worked for the city since 2019, has been promoted to the position.
During the meeting, Robert Richards, sewer department, and Steve Floyd, water department, received $0.24 and $1.19 per hour raises, respectively, for qualifying for journeyman status. The raises are retroactive to the Aug. 26, 2024 pay period.
