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Volunteers and residents demand transparency after dismissal of city volunteer and removal of police chief
Summary
Speakers at the final public-comment period alleged retaliation and lack of transparency over personnel actions, including a volunteer's dismissal and the removal of Chief Holly Chadwick; speakers cited consultant contracts and demanded explanations from city leaders.
During the meeting's final public-comment period, multiple residents raised concerns about recent personnel decisions involving the Henderson Police Department and a city volunteer program.
Amanda Swartz (ZIP 89044) said she had served more than 4,000 volunteer hours over five years and that city staff "removed" her from service without explanation. Swartz told the council she believed her termination was retaliation for speaking up and for publicly supporting Chief Holly Chadwick; she referenced public records and two consultant contracts that she said were linked to the matter, including a $30,000 consultant contract and a $50,000 mediation contract mentioned in public discussion.
Later in the final comment queue, Chris Schaffer (ZIP 89044) addressed the council directly and pressed for transparency over Chief Chadwick's removal. Schaffer said community members wanted answers and asked whether the council had used consultant funds to communicate with the chief. He called for elected leaders to explain what happened and criticized the timing and lack of public disclosure.
The mayor and clerk responded that council members and staff cannot comment on personnel matters during public comment. The speakers framed their remarks as requests for transparency; no formal personnel action or explanation was provided on the public record during the meeting.
Because the statements are allegations and requests for explanation from citizens, the council record reflects these as public comments rather than council findings or staff responses. The meeting transcript indicates that questions about contracts and personnel were raised repeatedly by commenters, but the council did not provide a substantive on-the-record response at the meeting.
