Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 115, No. 08	February 20, 2008

Four hired despite scrutiny for one position

By LARRY SEE JR.
Messenger Staff

There are four new faces in Meade County government, following action by the Fiscal Court Feb. 12.

They include full-time dispatcher Brooke Mills, part-time dispatcher Melinda Decker, road worker Dennis Poole and assistant animal control officer Michael Barton Perez.

Despite the fact all employees were unanimously approved, Magistrate Herbie Chism voiced concerns with one position.

The position, that of assistant animal control officer, became vacant after county Judge Executive Harry Craycroft said the previous occupant was terminated “for failure to perform his duties.”

“He had been warned two times and was relieved and advised of the problems,” Craycroft said.

Chism questioned if the county’s personnel policy was followed, to which Craycroft replied it was.

Chism stated the position was not formally approved by magistrates, as was necessary under a revised county ordinance, adopted in 2003.

Craycroft said he fired the employee in his position as the county’s chief executive officer.

The policy to which Chism referred stated the county may terminate any employee, with or without prior notice, for any of the following reasons, or similar reasons.

A list of reasons is provided, as well as any other reason deemed appropriate by the judge executive with final approval by the Fiscal Court.

“I just want to make sure that the policy is being followed,” Chism said. “I don’t want to get into any unfair labor charges.”

“It says in there (the policy that you can fire them) for various reasons,” Craycroft said. “There is a whole long list of them. If you want I can go through and pull the records and show you the three or four that qualified. As the CEO I did fire him.”

Chism asked if County Attorney Margaret Matney was advised of the actions. She replied she was.

Chism reiterated his statement the personnel ordinance says Craycroft can fire someone, with final approval of Fiscal Court.

“I followed the personnel policy,” Craycroft said. “If you want I can pull it out and lay it in front of you, if you desire Mr. Chism.”

Craycroft felt confident the policy was followed and said the affected individual doesn’t have any recourse, nor did he seek any.

Magistrate Mark Hubbard commended the hiring of the two dispatch center employees, completed after a thorough screening and review. The selection committee consisted of Craycroft, Magistrate Randall Hardesty, Sheriff William “Butch” Kerrick, dispatch center director Mark Bennett, EMS director Pam Weber and TAC officer Michael Hager.

In the case of the road worker, this brings the department up to full strength, according to superintendent Mark Popham. Poole holds a CDL license and was qualified immediately to start driving heavy machinery.

Poole filled one of two departmental vacancies, Popham said.

Perez previously worked for a humane society and a large pet store and comes to his position well-qualified, Craycroft said.

In other business, members authorized Craycroft to sign a professional services contract with the Lincoln Trail Area Development District.

The contract, which costs $15,000 and is in effect from Nov. 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, allows the district to assist Fiscal Court in various land acquisition, grant and related services.

Members also approved the 2007 Solid Waste Management Area annual report and submitted it to the Division of Waste Management in Frankfort.

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