BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Starke Chief Administrative Officer Jimmy Crosby remains on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations that he created a “toxic work environment” for employees under his supervision.
City Commissioner Bob Milner brought those allegations as well as other complaints about Crosby’s conduct to the commission earlier this month in an attempt to oust him from his position managing much of the city. Questions about the requirements of Crosby’s contract and due process kept him from being fired on the spot.
Crosby had no warning he would come under fire prior to the May 6 meeting and was not prepared to offer a defense.
Following the meeting, Starke’s attorney, Danielle Adams, solicited quotes from two firms, requesting an independent investigator. In a letter to the commission, she explained an independent investigator would “ensure a neutral, unbiased and credible review of the allegations.”
“As the city has a duty to provide a professional and respectful workplace for all employees, an impartial investigation conducted by a third party will help to safeguard the integrity of the process, foster confidence in the outcome, and minimize any perception of internal bias,” she wrote.
The recommendation was to retain Megan Logan of the law firm Douglas and Douglas to carry out the investigation, including interviewing employees about their experiences.
Commissioners voted 4-0 to proceed with Logan as investigator, with Commissioner Janice Mortimer absent. Cost was capped at $5,000, but to avoid any delay requesting commission approval for additional expenses, and additional $5,000 in contingency funds was approved.
Mayor Andy Redding, Milner and Commissioner Danny Nugent also voted to extend Crosby’s administrative leave until the investigation is completed and the full board is present to vote on the outcome. Commissioner Scott Roberts dissented.
Nugent is expected to be absent during his recovery from surgery, but Roberts said he wanted to see thing wrapped up. Redding agreed but said the gravity of the allegations required both swiftness and the presence of the full board when it comes to deciding the outcome. It was also Adams recommendation, he said.
“We’re just trying to make sure that we do what we’re supposed to do and that we protect the city of Starke and its employees,” he said.
Adams also confirmed in her letter to the commission that a simple majority of three commissioners could fire Crosby with cause, but his contract requires five days written notice prior to the meeting during which charges will be discussed.
