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Supervisors debate code of conduct updates and procedures for removing advisory appointees
Summary
The Board discussed proposed edits to the annual code of performance, focusing on whether county‑employee supervisors should provide leave records to the county administrator and whether bylaws should prescribe a closed‑session removal procedure for BACC members.
Stafford County — The Board of Supervisors debated edits to its annual code of performance, with supervisors divided over transparency steps for elected officials who are also county employees and over procedures for removing members of county advisory bodies.
Supervisor English requested that the code include a requirement that any board member who is also a county employee submit leave requests to the county administrator so the county can confirm those board activities do not occur on county time. Several supervisors opposed mandating that timesheet or leave records be submitted to the Board or to the county administrator, saying such a requirement was unnecessary and could be intrusive.
The Board reached clearer consensus on a related, separate item: creating a formal procedure for removals of advisory‑board members (for cause). The county attorney explained that a bylaw amendment would require a two‑thirds vote to change and that the code of performance is reviewed annually, so either document could be used; the board directed staff to draft bylaw language that would: (1) require notice to an appointee of the reason they are being asked to appear before the board for possible removal, (2) permit a closed‑session meeting to hear the appointee’s response and (3) apply that procedure to “for‑cause” removals (misconduct or neglect of duty) rather than routine terminations or attendance‑based removals.
Why it matters: Several supervisors said clearer procedures protect volunteers by ensuring notice and a chance to respond. Others said the current discussion grew from one board member’s request to have language in the performance code tied to a specific earlier accusation; several supervisors said individual disputes are better resolved through closed session and existing removal authorities.
Key directions (no formal vote recorded) - Staff to draft bylaw amendments (rather than code language) establishing a for‑cause removal procedure for advisory appointees that requires notice of the reason for removal and an opportunity for the appointee to appear in closed session to respond. The county attorney will prepare draft language for board review and first reading at a future meeting.
- The board acknowledged attendance‑based removals and “at‑pleasure” appointments remain governed by existing code and statute; the new procedure will target removals “for cause.”
Quotes “I will not submit my timesheets to the county administrator. That is totally inappropriate,” Chairman Diggs said in response to a request to require leave disclosure for supervisors who are county employees.
“If this was a priority for the board that I would reallocate my time to be able to accomplish what it is that you all want,” Deputy County Administrator Donna Krause said when supervisors raised staff capacity concerns for supporting additional procedures.
Ending County counsel will draft bylaw language reflecting the board’s direction and return the text for the board’s first reading; separate personnel‑oriented concerns about county employee supervisors and leave records will be revisited if the board requests further action.
