From KTSM, in a piece titled City explains why Firth severance pay is ‘legally sound’:
City Human Resources Director Linda Thomas—the only person the city is allowing to comment—indicated that when the council approved the separation agreement, the newer document overrode Firth’s existing contract.
“The ratified agreement between the mayor and council is the document that is actionable at this time,” Thomas said.
From Richard Nixon, via the Guardian:
Well, when the president does it, that means it is not illegal.
So there you go.
It’s legal according to the city but is it legal according to the courts. God I wish I had the money to fight this. Depositions would be a hoot.