Newton County commissioners place county manager on administrative leave

The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 in February 2025 to place the county manager on administrative leave under section 11.16 of the Newton County employee handbook, commissioners said.

The motion to place the county manager on administrative leave was moved by Commissioner Edwards and seconded by Commissioner Mason; the board recorded a 4-1 vote in favor. The transcript does not identify which commissioner cast the lone no vote.

The vote followed a motion earlier in the meeting to amend the agenda and add a resolution concerning the county manager. That agenda amendment, moved by Commissioner Edwards and seconded by Commissioner Lindsey, passed unanimously, 5-0.

Commissioners recessed into and later returned from an executive session before taking the leave action. Chair remarks and roll calls during the meeting noted that Commissioner Long participated in executive session by video.

During discussion preceding the final vote, Commissioner Henderson said she had reviewed materials and raised the standard expected of the county manager, saying, "I think it's time out for us," and adding that higher standards apply to elected officials and the county manager. Henderson urged that bad behavior is not acceptable and indicated support for the leave action.

The board did not announce in the public record any additional details about the alleged conduct, the duration of the leave, or any administrative steps to follow; the transcript records only the motion text—placing the county manager on administrative leave pursuant to section 11.16 of the Newton County employee handbook—and the vote tally. The meeting concluded shortly after the vote when commissioners moved to adjourn.

No further actions, appeals, or timeline for reinstatement were stated on the record in the provided transcript.