The City Council and mayor signed off on a resolution offering Brent Bluth six months of back salary, benefits, vacation time and attorney's fees.

The resolution includes a mutual release of claims that would have Bluth drop a claim against the city in exchange for Mayor Claudia Anderson's agreement to drop him from a suit she filed last year.

It also requests that Bluth assist the city with the budget and other tasks it must finish by June 30.

Bluth's attorney declined to comment on whether Bluth would accept the terms.

The city's offer didn't come without sharp exchanges.

Councilman Bill Maxwell tried to amend the settlement to include two clauses, pointing out that Anderson wrongfully fired Bluth without the council's advice and consent.

Anderson countered that she would not dismiss legal claims against Bluth if the clauses were included, saying the council needed to take responsibility for delaying the settlement to coax Bluth into staying.

"We could have had this same settlement in January," she said. "If we don't put this in, maybe the council has some responsibility on this - and I think it does."

But Councilwoman Nancy Lord told Anderson she needed to take responsibility because "you're the one who fired him."

Councilwoman Martha Speed read a statement praising Bluth's service and criticizing Anderson for mistreating him.

Maxwell eventually dropped his amendment, saying it was a "dark day" in Bluffdale. But he added that he didn't want to continue to punish Bluth.

"He's been unemployed for two months and wants the money to pay his bills," said City Attorney Todd Weiler. "I think we owe it to everyone to get this over with tonight."

sgehrke@sltrib.com