Tuesday night, the city council voted 3 - 2 to tell Watertown City Manager Mary Corriveau it doesn't intend to renew her contract when it runs out at the end of April.

However, it appears there's still room for the council to change its mind.

Tuesday night's vote was taken so Corriveau would have 90 days notice and make her ineligible for six months of termination pay. 

On his blog Wednesday, Mayor Jeff Graham says he's hoping cooler heads will prevail between now and the end of Corriveau's contract.

The decision to let Corriveau go may seem sudden to the public, but it's an issue that has been simmering for the city council for quite a while.

"Increasingly over the years there's been a sentiment among council members, and not just three of us either - others, i will say, that there has been somewhat of a discord," said Councilwoman Roxanne Burns.

But, did it have to lead to a firing?

"My feeling is the individual grievances that may have occurred over time could have been addressed in other ways," said Graham.

He and another council member still hope something could change between now and April 30, when Corriveau's contract runs out.

Councilwoman Teresa Macaluso, isn't ruling out a reappointment.

"I would like to see that, you know, she gets an extension. Now if she's willing to work with this council, that I don't know. Some of this is still in her court. It's not all our decision and the community. The community can let us know how they feel about the way we've handled this...The community still has some say in this," said Macaluso.

But for anything to change, one of three council members who voted for Corriveau's ouster would have to change his or her mind. 

Corriveau declined to comment.

See our Tuesday night report

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