Erie Town Council Votes to Terminate Town Manager Malcolm Fleming

Despite public outcry, council approves mayor's motion to dismiss town manager in 4-3 vote

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In a contentious town council meeting, the Erie Town Council voted 4-3 to terminate the contract of Town Manager Malcolm Fleming, despite vocal opposition from some council members and members of the public. The mayor had sought to handle the matter in a private executive session, but was denied by council members who insisted the discussion remain public. Ultimately, the majority voted to dismiss Fleming, though several council members expressed regret that a private agreement could not be reached.

Why it matters

The firing of the town manager is a significant political event that highlights tensions within the Erie town government and raises questions about transparency, decision-making processes, and the balance of power between the mayor and town council. The public outcry over the termination also suggests the town manager had strong support in the community.

The details

The town council meeting began with presentations on public art projects and a proposal to increase airport fees. When the mayor introduced a motion to go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter, several council members objected, insisting the discussion remain public. Despite a 4-3 majority vote to go into executive session, the mayor did not have the 5 votes required, so the meeting stayed open. Council members Baer, Hoback, and Pesamarelli all argued against terminating Fleming's contract, but were ultimately outvoted 4-3 by council members Mortellaro, O'Connor, Bell, and Mayor Moore.

  • The town council meeting took place on February 17, 2026.
  • The following day, on February 18, 2026, the town released a statement from Malcolm Fleming.

The players

Malcolm Fleming

The now-former Town Manager of Erie, Colorado, who had served in the role for the past 7 years.

Mayor Jennifer Moore

The mayor of Erie, Colorado, who introduced the motion to terminate Fleming's contract.

Council Member Dan Hoback

A member of the Erie Town Council who argued against terminating Fleming's contract.

Council Member Baer

A member of the Erie Town Council who argued against terminating Fleming's contract.

Council Member Pesamarelli

A member of the Erie Town Council who argued against terminating Fleming's contract.

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What they’re saying

“[The mayor] did not have consensus or a majority, originally, to bring this forward, and I'm very hopeful to my fellow council members that that remains the case; that you hold your ground, that you're brave right now, and not strong armed to do the mayor's bidding.”

— Council Member Baer (Yellow Scene Magazine)

“I wish we could have had that discussion in exec, because what I wanted to see was that we could have a mutual agreement to part ways... I think Malcolm wanted to have that conversation. I sincerely regret that we can't have that conversation right now, because I feel that would have been better.”

— Council Member Bell, Mayor Pro Tem (Yellow Scene Magazine)

“Erie has a fantastic team, including great Town staff throughout the organization. I loved working with them, as well as with current and past members of the Town Council and advisory boards and Planning Commission. I will miss them all and I am proud of the long list of accomplishments we achieved together.”

— Malcolm Fleming, Former Town Manager (Yellow Scene Magazine)

What’s next

The town will now begin the process of finding a new town manager to replace Malcolm Fleming.

The takeaway

This contentious termination of the town manager highlights the political divisions within the Erie town government and the need for greater transparency and consensus-building when it comes to major personnel decisions that impact the community.