The Village of Empire President Sue Palmer informed Empire Clerk Derith Smith and Treasurer Alacia Acton through a letter that they are not going to be reappointed to their position when their term ends Nov. 20.
One letter that was sent said, “I hope this message finds you well. As you are aware, per Village Ordinance 134, your current term as Village (Treasurer or Clerk) will expire Nov. 20. After careful consideration, I am writing to inform you that your position, as (treasurer or clerk), will not be renewed beyond this date. While this marks the conclusion of your current role, we value the contributions you have made to the village and would like to invite letters of interest for the position, should you wish to continue serving. Letter may be submitted to me (Sue Palmer) as part of this process.”
Per Ordinance 133 and 134, the village treasurer and clerk shall be chosen by nomination of the village president and appointment by a majority vote of the village council.
The term of both positions is two years with the current term set to end Nov. 20.
“It’s my decision to make the appointments,” said Palmer who is being opposed on the Nov. 5 ballot by Dan Davis.
According to the ordinance, she has the right to make nominations, not appointments.
“(Acton) has done a wonderful job, (Smith) has done a good job as well,” Palmer said. “This is the first time I’ve gone this route (nominate a clerk or treasurer). I hope they send a letter.”
It is no secret that Palmer and Smith have had testy public conversations and outburst overall numerous issues, mostly concerning procedure.
“I don’t think it’s in the village’s best interest to let the treasure and clerk go for who knows how long. Who’s gong to take care of the bookkeeping?” Davis said. “(Smith) has helped us tremendously and has been there for six years.
It’s just not in the best interest of the village and we can’t let that go on.”
Empire Village council member Maggie Bacon was unexpectedly taken by the measure as it did not appear on the village agenda Tuesday during October’s regular meeting.
“I’d like to know what the president’s (Sue Palmer) plan for a clerk and treasurer on Nov. 20,” Bacon said. “As of right now, we are either going to be without one or both. I don’t know how people are going to get paid and how the office will operate.”
Empire’s next and only meeting next month is Nov. 14, when the nominations would have to be voted on.
“(Acton and Smith) have been excellent in executing their duties,” Empire Village candidate Teresa Howes said. “Two of the most important jobs in the village.”
