Howell City Manager Paul DeBuff resigned from his post on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.
DeBuff’s tenure in Howell was a short one, just a year. According to reports, Howell Mayor Nick Proctor said some city staff lost confidence based on the “very quick pace of changes” DeBuff wanted to implement.
DeBuff’s resignation comes at a critical time for the city. For the first time in at least three decades, there is a primary on tap for three open city council seats, the mayor is not running for re-election, and the city is working on establishing a social district in its downtown.
DeBuff replaced longtime City Manager Shea Charles, who resigned in 2019 and is now the city manager in East Grand Rapids.