City Pays Former Manager Over $200K Amid Controversy

East Lansing just handed out a $226,000 severance package to former city manager Robert Belleman — including $192,816 spread over a year, plus unused vacation pay and health insurance. The move follows a public sexual harassment allegation that led to his leave in May, despite an initial investigation finding no policy violations. A second, undisclosed probe followed. While some residents, like Marie Wicks, applaud the city’s action, they’re uneasy about the payout. The agreement also locks Belleman into paying back at least six months of severance if he lands another job within a year. The city’s goal? Move on, learn from the past, and bring in fresh leadership to steer the community forward. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4551a17d3b687c53