Keller council denies fire marshal Deborah Crafton’s grievance, upholds HR findings

At a May 2 special meeting, the Keller City Council voted 7-0 to deny a grievance filed by Keller Fire Marshal Deborah Crafton and to uphold the findings of the city human resources director.

The grievance, which the city attorney and the council reviewed in executive session under Texas law, centers on Crafton’s complaints about workplace treatment and limits placed on her enforcement authority in the fire prevention division. The council made the formal ruling after a public-comment period in which supporters urged the council to preserve Crafton’s authority and reputation.

The attorney representing Crafton told the council that the goal was to “make sure her input is not ignored, her authority is not circumvented,” and urged the council to direct the city manager to “fix it,” including by considering mediation or a negotiated departure if necessary. The attorney also said the complaint and appeal should be included in the meeting’s agenda materials; he said he…