Residents call for county administrator’s resignation and restoration of supervisor access at Charles City County meeting

Dozens of residents used the meeting’s public-comment period to press the Charles City County Board of Supervisors for accountability from County Administrator Mr. Rogers and to demand that the board restore access and authority to Vice Chairman Ryan Patterson.

The wave of criticism started when a group speaker accused Rogers of "hiding documents, blocking elected officials, and manipulating procedures," saying deputies were called and Patterson’s key-card privileges were revoked (public comment). "If everything were above board, you wouldn't refuse simple requests," the speaker said, and urged the board to restore Patterson’s privileges and produce requested documents.

Several speakers echoed that demand. Susan Ware told the board, "I come before you tonight to urge you to request the resignation of our County Administrator," citing what she described as a loss of public trust and alleged disregard for bylaws. Gerald Barnes, chairman of the Charles City electoral board, said Rogers had not visited the registrar’s office and alleged nonresponse to written communications, adding that the electoral board is a constitutionally established body with statutory responsibilities.

Other commenters raised related governance and transparency concerns. Brandy Moreno, a county public servant, warned about nepotism and called for high ethical standards for officials and staff; Thelma Whitehead asked who authorized the deactivation of Patterson’s access card and whether deputies were properly called. Robert Tyler and others criticized the county’s handling of finances and said residents have a right to full disclosure about budget overruns and loan decisions.

Not all remarks were accusatory. Curtis Mason, a career firefighter, used public comment to announce that county firefighters have "formed a union for the county and joined the local" branch of the International Association of Firefighters and said paperwork is in progress.

Board members did not take immediate disciplinary action on the floor. Chairman Byron Atkins closed the public-comment period after the scheduled speakers finished. The public raised multiple procedural asks — including requests that board members respond in future meetings with answers to comments and that documentation cited in presentations be disclosed — and several speakers asked that any references to county assets in consultant presentations be made explicit given an ongoing court-ordered forensic audit.

Next steps: The board moved later in the meeting into a closed executive session for legal consultation, and several speakers said they will pursue petitions and additional public meetings; the board did not announce any personnel action on the public record during the meeting.