12 December 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CITY OF SOUTHPORT
FINAL STATEMENT REGARDING CITY EMPLOYEE INVESTIGATION
Southport, NC – After an extensive investigation by Attorney Ann Smith of Jackson Lewis, P.C., a law firm specializing in employment law, and numerous interviews by City Manager Bonnie Therrien and Attorney Smith with relevant City staff and the three employees who were suspended without pay on October 27, 2023, City Manager Therrien, on December 11, 2023, terminated the employment of Randy Jones, Director of Community Relations and Sydney Heil, Community Building Administrator. Kate Marshall of Animal Protection Services will return to her duties on December 12, 2023.
“This decision was not made lightly,” said City Manager Therrien.
Ring doorbells were installed at the Community Building in July of 2023 and were added for extra security and to communicate with guests and visitors at the front and back door. The Ring doorbell was purchased in October of 2023 for Indian Trail Meeting Hall for the same reason. The purchase of the Community Building system was reported in the Community Building report which appeared in the July 2023 Monthly Report to the Board and the public.
Any questions regarding personnel matters should be directed to City Manager Therrien at [email protected] or 910-457-7988.
ChyAnn Ketchum
Public Information Officer
City of Southport
O: (910) 457-7927 ext. 1040
C: (910) 267-7300
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