Yet again, a decision to line Mark Henderson's already over-stretched pockets with our cash has been taken without the approval of the full council.
We, the taxpayers, who are footing the bill, will not be privy to how much the severance package is worth because, I understand, of a confidentiality clause in the deal.
How's that for democracy and open government!
The county council's press statement that Mr Henderson has "waived his right to a significant sum he could have received had he stayed on and been made redundant" is hard to understand.
Surely redundancy would have been out of the question for such a local government superstar.
I mean, who else could devise such brilliant wheezes as his 'Stella test' where employees were urged to actively engage public house clienteles in conversation about the merits of the authority and giving mugs to staff as a reward for the council's four-star status award?
Having been the council's public relations officer for 15 years, I have found it hugely regrettable to witness the tarnishing of the authority's image that has occurred during Mr Henderson's tenure.
I sincerely hope the new council leadership, whoever that may be, will make the right choice when considering his replacement.
Colin Heathcote,
Watershaugh Road,
Warkworth