Termination Is Upheld

Former City of Monticello employee Gail Harris’ termination was upheld by the Monticello City Council after an appeal hearing Tuesday night with councilman David Wease making a tear-filled motion to “support the City Manager, and the termination.”

The motion was seconded by council woman Katherine Alexander and passed 3-1. Mayor pro tem, Bobby Jacobs also voted yes, with councilman Cornell Williams being the sole no vote.

City Manager Peggy Billerman initially terminated Ms. Harris with a December 10, 2014 separation notice for “habitual tardiness and irregularities in time records.”

Joe Reitman, City Attorney represented Mrs. Billerman and Ms. Harris’ council was Oscar E. Prioleau, Jr. of Atlanta.

Both sides presented evidence Tuesday night before Mayor Bryan Standifer and council members.

Mr. Reitman presented that Ms. Harris had been tardy to work and was given and signed a Work Plan Agreement on August 7, 2014, between herself and Ms. Billerman, her supervisor, stating that she [Ms. Harris] would comply with duty hours, and gave evidence that she was late thereafter, as much as every day in October.

Mr. Prioleau presented Ms. Harris’ case, saying Ms. Harris was looking after sick family members was why she was late. In 34 years she has had no negative evaluations, he said. He said that she was protected under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), but Ms. Harris apparently never asked about FMLA until her termination date.