Stuart Brown is at left and Lorrie Miller is shown seated on the day the two new magistrates were recently chosen
New Chief Magistrate Lorrie Miller has sent a letter to members of the County Commission asking that new Magistrate Stuart Brown be terminated, saying he is not up to performing the job.
Magistrate Brown issued his own letter, saying Ms. Miller only gave him a couple of hours of training. He said he has been working with another magistrate to improve.
The issue was sent to the Securities and Corrections Committee. Chairman Tim Boyd is to call a special meeting. That panel will then have a recommendation for the full commission.
Several commissioners objected to the personnel matter being aired in public, but County Attorney Rheubin Taylor said that is the procedure outlined in the law.
"It has to be done in public" under the state Open Meetings Act, he said.
Chairman Randy Fairbanks said the matter "cannot be handled behind closed doors" and said Commissioner Boyd, who was absent, told him he preferred that the commission go ahead and act.
However, Commissioner Jim Fields said each side should be allowed up to 30 days "to make their cases."
Commissioner Greg Beck said the way it was being handled "is not Christian. It's not necessary. It's not polite. It's not nice."
Another commissioner, Warren Mackey, called it unprecedented. He said, "We are out here in public. It just seems wrong."
Commissioner Beck said he did not see any allegation against Commissioner Brown that would have caused the county to be sued.
However, Chairman Fairbanks said he felt it was "a dire and grave situation that could create a large liability for the county."
To read Ms. Miller's letter, click here.
To read Mr. Brown's letter, click here.