Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Conduct topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Former county finance employee says county manager's conduct prompted resignation
Summary
A former Columbus County finance office employee described a confrontational meeting with County Manager Eddie Madden, alleging public humiliation and retaliation that led to her resignation; commissioners did not act on the complaint at tonight's meeting.
A former Columbus County finance office employee said she resigned after a July 2024 interaction with County Manager Eddie Madden that she described as public and demeaning.
Abigail Tess Norris told commissioners she worked in the county finance office from June 2023 to July 2024 and that she consistently received positive feedback until a July 30, 2024, meeting in which Madden singled her out in front of colleagues. Norris said she was later summoned to a private meeting where she said she was berated and that her workspace was immediately moved. She told the board the relocation appeared to be connected to the confrontation and that she felt unable to continue working under those conditions.
Norris also said she believes Mr. Madden's conduct has affected her subsequent job prospects because employers referenced him in interview conversations. She urged the commissioners to review county leadership and employee protections, saying the workplace should foster respect, transparency and fairness. Commissioners acknowledged the comment but did not announce a formal personnel action or investigation during the meeting. Norris said other current and former employees feared retaliation and might be reluctant to come forward.
