Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ethics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners to refer alleged sheriff-vehicle misuse to Alabama Ethics Commission
Summary
After Commissioner Weston Spivey presented photos and resident complaints alleging county vehicles were being used for off-duty and out-of-county activity, the Commission voted to add the matter to a complaint to the State Ethics Commission (vote yes 3, abstain 1).
Commissioner Weston Spivey presented photographic evidence and multiple resident complaints alleging misuse of a Geneva County Sheriff vehicle. Spivey said the vehicle was photographed at the Taylor Police Department while the deputy occupying it was also working a shift for that municipality.
Commissioner Spivey said the county must ensure its assets are not used for private benefit: "The county vehicles are not for personal use," he said, and he urged the Commission to act. County Attorney Phil Eldridge related that the Sheriff reported staffing shortages on the east end of the county and that the deputy had been permitted to use his county vehicle while on call and working at the Taylor Police Department. After discussion, Commissioner Spivey moved to submit a complaint to the Alabama Ethics Commission to add to a previous complaint; Commissioner Jeff Hatcher seconded. Commissioner Brannon abstained; the motion carried with a recorded vote of yes 3, abstain 1.
The minutes also record concerns from residents that vehicles had been seen at grocery stores and movie theaters outside Geneva County and that three prior complaints had prompted earlier dismissals of two EMA directors on similar grounds. The transcript does not record a direct response from Sheriff Helms at the hearing besides the Sheriff's earlier reported explanation to the Commission that he had given permission to the deputy. The complaint filing process, according to Attorney Eldridge, requires listing names of witnesses with firsthand knowledge.
