Newton County Commissioners place county manager on administrative leave during special meeting

In a pivotal meeting on February 12, 2025, the Newton County Board of Commissioners took decisive action by placing the county manager on administrative leave. This significant move came after discussions surrounding the county manager's conduct, which some commissioners deemed unacceptable given the higher standards expected of leadership roles.

The meeting commenced with an invocation, followed by a swift transition into executive session, where the board deliberated on sensitive matters. Upon returning to the public session, Commissioner Edwards proposed a motion to amend the agenda to include a resolution regarding the county manager. This motion was quickly seconded and passed unanimously.

The crux of the meeting centered on a motion to place the county manager on administrative leave, which was supported by Commissioner Henderson. He emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "I think it's time out for us, and it's alright for bad behavior." The motion ultimately passed with a vote of 4-1, underscoring a clear message from the board about maintaining standards of conduct within county leadership.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed their commitment to upholding the integrity of their positions, setting a precedent for future governance in Newton County. The decision to place the county manager on leave is expected to lead to further evaluations of leadership practices and policies within the county.