The appointment of a temporary occupational tax director turned into a 10-minute conversation that weaved into multiple topics during last week’s special fiscal court meeting.
The conversation was the culmination of several activities that apparently took place prior to the meeting, with one magistrate saying he had been accused of stealing a job application and the county judge accusing the court of politics and favoritism.
County Judge Executive Larry Russell Bryant started the discussion by referring to the county’s code of ethics, then said he was appointing JR Noe to the position. Noe previously worked for the county as finance officer.
Bryant said Noe had quit due to his mother’s health. As the conversation went on, magistrate Chris Reeder said Noe put a different reason for quitting on his application, and Bryant responded that there had been some complication with Noe’s retirement.
Bryant said he had spoken with the finance officer and explained the code of ethics because her daughter had applied for the position.
Magistrate Mark Humphress said he thought it would be only fair to readvertise the position, adding later that there was an error in the advertisement. He said several applications came in after the published deadline.
Bryant said it is his job to make sure the office runs smoothly, and he is responsible for the money. He then again said Noe was his appointment and if the magistrates didn’t like it, “You guys have got the power to change the ordinance, and we will hire every family member you like.”
Humphress questioned road cleanup done by private contractors during the recent ice and snowstorm, saying, “Is that not family members?”
Bryant responded, “What about it?” then went on again to argue that he has the power to appoint the temporary occupational tax director.
Humphress said he had been accused of stealing the applications but affirmed that it was not Bryant who made the accusation. He did claim that one of Bryant’s employees made the accusation.
Bryant said an application “disappeared from my office,” but did not specify which application.
“That is my appointment and you all are to set the salary and you’re just to approve who I say I want in my office,” Bryant said. “I’m going to get somebody to take care of the money. She (he said as he pointed to the county treasurer) is not supposed to be sitting on money in that office, and that is a lot of money.”
County Attorney Jennifer Hutchison Corbin said the money is being deposited. Bryant commented that records were not being kept up to date. Hutchison Corbin started to respond and Bryant interrupted her.
Reeder asked treasurer Melinda Quinn to explain the process they are using since the absence of director Sheila Blair, who is out for medical reasons. Quinn began to describe the process, but Bryant interrupted her, saying he had been taking care of business and accusing Reeder of insinuating that he was not taking care of the money.
Reeder said he did not insinuate anything but had called on the treasurer to explain the process. Bryant said magistrates have full access to the treasurer and still refused to allow Quinn to speak.
“She told me I was one of eight. I am the one who appointed her, so that’s done caused a stink right here,” Bryant said.
Several magistrates voiced opposition to the comment, with magistrate Billy Coffey telling Bryant that Bryant did not appoint the treasurer.
This conversation went on as Bryant told Hutchison Corbin he would like to see proof.
Magistrate Todd Davenport urged for the meeting to get back on track and move forward. Bryant continued to argue about his authority to make appointments.
Hutchison Corbin confirmed that the hiring of the occupational tax director is an appointment of the fiscal court. All seven magistrates and the judge executive have equal votes on those appointments.
Hutchison Corbin then looked at Bryant then said, “I’m going to speak but I don’t want anyone to interrupt me because it’s very rude, okay. So, I’m going to speak then you all can argue amongst yourselves.”
In answering Bryant’s earlier question, she read state law that states that the county treasurer is appointed by the fiscal court.
Humphress ended the debate by making a motion to readvertise the position of temporary part-time occupational tax director. Reeder seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The meeting was then adjourned. Magistrates Reeder, Davenport, Tony Denton, Coffey and Humphress attended the meeting. Sammy Baker and Terry Hadley were absent.
By Sharon Burton
snburton@adairvoice.com
