Former McAlester city council member said he's ashamed he voted for buybacks

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- A former McAlester City councilman says he's ashamed he voted to pay the city manager nearly $580,000 for unused leave.<br/><br/>State and federal authorities are investigating

Tuesday, December 21st 2004, 1:11 pm

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- A former McAlester City councilman says he's ashamed he voted to pay the city manager nearly $580,000 for unused leave.

State and federal authorities are investigating the buyback of $579,500 in unused vacation or sick days from City Manager Randy Green.

Former Councilman Dave Attebury says he didn't intend to approve such a large amount and calls it a "disgrace."

Attebury says he's been interviewed by the FBI as part of the investigation. Current council members Greg Rock and Louis Smitherman say they've also been interviewed by the FBI.

The FBI wouldn't confirm or deny an investigation of Green.

Green says there is a "contractual explanation" for his earnings, but declined further comment.