Aberdeen board accepts Public Works director's resignation after executive session; reporter questioned over photo

The Aberdeen City Board of Aldermen accepted the resignation of Richard Caradine, General Manager of Public Works, effective Feb. 13, 2026, the board reported after an executive session on Feb. 6. The board's acceptance was recorded as a 4-1 vote, with Alderman Nicholas Holliday voting against the action.

The resignation decision followed a closed determination and an executive session convened to discuss personnel matters related to Public Works. The motion to enter executive session was made by Alderman Nicholas Holliday and seconded by Alderman Jeremy Belle; roll-call votes during motions recorded Alderman Holliday, Alderwoman Rhonda Moore and Alderman Belle as voting "Aye." The meeting minutes do not specify who formally moved or seconded the resignation acceptance.

After the executive session, board members asked Mr. Caradine about contact with a newspaper reporter at the Public Works site. Caradine said he did not give an interview, calling the exchange "general conversation," and said only that a photograph was taken for the newspaper. Reporter Ray Van Dusen told the Board he did not conduct an interview and said the forthcoming story would report the board's action accepting Caradine's resignation; Van Dusen asked whether it would be permissible to publish Caradine's photo.

City Attorney Walter Zinn Jr. told Van Dusen the photo "should've been taken at the Board Meeting," and that the City should have been contacted before the reporter entered City property, but said the subject and outcome had been discussed in open session and that publication was permissible. Van Dusen apologized to the board.

The Board adjourned and set its next regular meeting for Feb. 17, 2026. The minutes show Melissa Moore, City Clerk, attested to the meeting record.