The Newton City Commission has voted to fire the city manager, effective immediately.

The Hutchinson News reports the vote Tuesday was 3-2 to fire City Manager Randy Riggs, who had held the position since March 2008. The city hasn’t said why Riggs was fired other than a desire by the commission to pursue a different direction in management of the community.

The city says in a news release that Rigs will receive more than $215,000 upon departure, including severance of roughly $147,000 and health insurance benefits, unused vacation and unused sick leave.

Riggs previously served as city manager in Chanute and Sterling.

City Attorney Bob Myers has been appointed interim city manager.