Kennewick Irrigation District board fires district director by unanimous vote

Shane Leonard, the Kennewick Irrigation District manager, is no longer employed by KID after a closed discussion followed by a board vote at a special meeting Thursday.

The district released a brief statement saying it does not comment on specifics of personnel issues and thanked Leonard for his service.

The unanimous board vote Thursday was to terminate Leonard “without cause,” which means he is eligible for a severance payment equal to about two months pay for his two years of service.

The statement said it would announce interim arrangements at a later date, which could include the process for choosing a new district manager.

Board President David McKenzie told the Tri-City Herald that plans for the district, including numerous improvements, remain unchanged.

Jason McShane, who also is the Kennewick mayor, is the assistant district manager of KID and becomes acting district manager when the manager is not available.

Leonard joined KID near the start of 2024, after serving as the general manager of the Roosevelt Water Conservation District in Mesa, Ariz., for a decade.

He replaced Charles Freeman, who retired as KID district manager in July 2024, after 14 years of service.