By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@thecitizennews.com

Fayetteville City Council will have a special called meeting Wednesday night to deal with charges against city manager Michael Bryant.

The group is expected to vote on whether to end Bryant's month-long suspension, or to dismiss him.

Bryant has been on administrative leave with pay since Jan. 12, and city attorney David Winkle's office has been investigating complaints brought by city employees. Winkle in turn engaged the services of Stockbridge lawyer Gregory Futch to investigate the matter to remove any appearance of bias.

As city attorney, Winkle works closely with Bryant.

City officials have been steadfastly mum on the nature of the charges against Bryant. Sources say the allegations against Bryant were brought by at least three city employees, but officials decline to divulge any details of the complaints.

City Council voted to suspend the city manager following an executive session Jan. 12. Police Chief Johnny Roberts, whose job description includes serving as assistant city manager, has been acting in the post during the suspension.

Bryant, former county manager in Beaufort, S.C., started work for Fayetteville in June 1998, replacing former manager Joe Morton, who took an assistant manager's position with Peachtree City.

Tonight's called meeting will follow council's regular work session, which is at 7 p.m.