EAST LANSING — For the second time in less than four years, the city of East Lansing has approved a six-figure exit deal with a city manager.
Robert Belleman, who resigned from his position on June 16, could receive about $246,000 as part of the separation agreement council members approved.
In 2023, George Lahanas, now Northville’s city manager, received a severance package worth about $383,000, including about $172,000 in wages in a lump sum, accrued paid time off worth $46,035, and health care, dental and life insurance worth $24,172 per year based on current rates. He also received a payment to the Municipal Employees Retirement System of approximately $21,000.
The breakdown in Belleman’s separation agreement, which the State Journal received through a Freedom of Information Act request, showed he will receive severance pay equaling a year of his base salary, or $192,816, in biweekly payments.
An exception would be made “if Employee obtains other employment during the twelve (12) month severance period, the amount of the severance payment shall be reduced by subtracting the dollar value of wages and benefits Employee receives from the other employment,” the agreement said. “In no event, however, shall Employee receive less than the equivalent of six (6) months’ severance pay.”
The city will contribute to Belleman’s MERS Hybrid Retirement account an amount equal to 10.5% of his salary through June 16, 2027 or until his next day of employment, whichever is sooner, for a potential $20,245. He’s also due $30,890 for 333 hours of unused accrued paid time off.
The city will pay required premiums for vision, dental, life, longterm care, and long-term disability potentially up until June 16, 2027. Belleman will also be paid $200 per month for not using city health insurance through June 16, 2027.
Also, the city has agreed to provide a reference in writing about Belleman’s employment and “satisfactory employment evaluations that led to renewal of his employment agreement” in September.
Belleman could not be reached for comment.
Community members upset with his leadership had been calling for his resignation in recent months. On May 19, city grant coordinator Erica Dziedzic-Hernandez told city council members during public comment that she had filed a complaint against Belleman last year for sexual harassment, verbal abuse and threatening her job.
Council members voted on May 21 to release a late 2025 report of a law firm’s investigation into Dziedzic-Hernandez’s complaint that concluded Belleman hadn’t clearly violated any city policy or law, but still noted a culture concern and lack of trust and comfort within his leadership team.
On May 26, council members voted unanimously to place Belleman on leave, effective the following day. His resignation came weeks later, with Annette Irwin, who retired in March as the city’s planning, building and housing director, now serving as the interim city manager.
Lahanas served the East Lansing community for more than two decades, including 11 as city manager.
In January 2023, the City Council voted unanimously to approve a separation agreement with Lahanas, who had received positive marks on his most recent evaluation after a breakdown in relationship with the council.
Contact editor Susan Vela at svela@lsj.com or 248-873-7044. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: East Lansing agrees to six-figure settlement with ousted city manager
Reporting by Susan Vela, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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By Susan Vela, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
