Local brief
Retired in August, William Pearson could return at up to $121,000 a year
A committee unanimously backed bringing him back as Public Works emergency preparedness director, for up to 520 business days. Final Council approval is not recorded in the packet.
William Pearson retired from Atlanta after more than 27 years of service in August. Now the city’s Public Works department wants him back as emergency preparedness director, with annual pay capped at $121,000.[1]
The City Utilities Committee unanimously recommended the temporary rehire on November 10. The minutes identify November 16 at 1 p.m. as the next step, and the legislative history lists Council action as pending—not a completed approval.[1]
Under the proposed terms, Pearson could work no more than 520 business days. He could start no earlier than November 19, and only after the resolution becomes effective and required confirmation and onboarding are completed.[1]
Public Works’ stated reason for bringing him back is specialized expertise. The resolution cites Pearson’s experience in emergency planning, safety and security, incident response and business continuity, and says he retired in good standing.[1]
The measure invokes an Atlanta City Charter provision that, as described in the resolution, allows retirees to return for particular skills—but limits that employment to 520 business days, whether worked continuously or in separate stints.[1]
Sources
1 official source cited in this report. The bracketed numbers in the text link here.