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Residents and former employees urge fairness for HR director, allege discrimination and hostile work environment
Summary
Several residents and former county employees used public comment at the Polk County commissioners meeting to raise concerns about alleged targeting, discrimination and a hostile work environment in the county Human Resources division and asked the board to respect the charter’s non‑interference provisions
Multiple citizens and former county employees used the Feb. 18 Polk County Board of County Commissioners public‑comment period to raise concerns about the county’s handling of the human resources division and the treatment of its director.
Speakers identified themselves as current or former county employees, community leaders and NAACP representatives and said they were concerned the HR director has been targeted by commissioners and county management. Speakers cited Polk County Charter Section 3.4 (non‑interference by the Board of County Commissioners in day‑to‑day personnel matters) and raised questions about the use of a consultant efficiency study, alleged misstatements about the director, and delays in reclassification actions.
Public commenters and their main points
- Cassandra Richards (Lake Wales resident) said she had petitions supporting traffic calming but also thanked the board; she referenced ongoing roadway issues and development on Highway 60. - Leroy…
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