Jackson County administrator's firing upheld

Friday, January 1, 1904

Former Jackson County, Ala., administrator Sandra Erickson's firing in June has been upheld by the county personnel board, officials said.

Jackson County Attorney John Porter said the County Commission is moving on with a search for a replacement.

"As far as the county is concerned, the matter is over," Porter said on Wednesday. "They [commissioners] will be moving to fill the position whenever they get the application process finished."

Porter noted Erickson still has the option of taking the case to Circuit Court if she is dissatisfied with the personnel board's decision.

The board is made up of Carolyn Carter, Michael Counts, Bob Matthews Jr., Kenneth Story and Ginni Carter. Ginni Carter and Story were not present at the hearing held earlier this month.

Erickson said in June that she probably would pursue the matter in court if the personnel board hearing didn't go her way.

She could not be reached for comment Wednesday and her attorney, Julian Butler, declined to comment.

County Commission Chairman Matthew Hodges said in June, just after Erickson was dismissed, that the reason for the firing was "gross neglect."

Erickson, who said she hadn't been given a formal reason, denied that charge, saying she was "definitely innocent of that."

On Wednesday, Porter said that Hodges and office workers are handling the administrator's duties until the post is filled.

Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@times freepress.com or 423-757-6569.