NIOTA, Tenn. — A Niota City Commission member said she didn’t intend to violate the state’s open meetings law in the firing of the city’s assistant police chief.
City Commissioner Brenda Rutledge said the city charter allows any commissioner to fire a city employee.
She said she signed a letter of termination for five-year police officer Glen Cooley because of what she said were problems in the police department.
Then she went to other commissioners’ homes and had them sign, too.
The state’s Sunshine Law says elected officials may conduct business only in scheduled meetings that are open to the public. They are not allowed to deliberate or act behind closed doors.
Ms. Rutledge said she didn’t realize her move might violate the open meetings law.
“I guess it makes it look like we got together,” Ms. Rutledge said. “I’ve only been a commissioner for two months and thought it best for all three to sign.”
She said she will ask for reapproval of the firing at the City Commission meeting Tuesday night.
Officials said problems developed in the police department when former chief Joel Parham quit and Officer Carl Helton was named chief.
Then people began complaining about Chief Helton allegedly violating rights during traffic stops. District Attorney Steve Bebb said he has begun an investigation. Chief Helton denies the allegations.
Ms. Rutledge said she stands behind Chief Helton. She believes his opponents spurred the complaints and said local politics is involved.
She said the city has hired two police officers to complete the department.
Mr. Cooley said he has left the department several times, “but the people wanted me back.”
This time, he said, he is through with Niota and won’t seek to be rehired.
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