Modesto agrees to pay city auditor $225,000 to resign

The Modesto City Council on Friday voted to approve an agreement that will pay Monica Houston $225,000 and end her employment as in-house auditor, a job she was hired to do less than eight months ago.

Houston came to Modesto to uncover inefficiencies in city operations. Since then, she became the focus of a political fight among council members who have either scrutinized her motives or defended her qualifications and experience.

The council’s vote Friday morning in a closed-session meeting was not unanimous. Councilmembers Bill Zoslocki, Doug Ridenour, Mani Grewal and Jenny Kenoyer voted direct the mayor to execute the separation agreement with Houston, according to city clerk Stephanie Lopez