Mexico Beach Council Addresses Workplace Harassment Allegations
BAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Mexico Beach City Council convened a special meeting on Monday to deliberate the selection of a human resources company to examine claims of workplace harassment against City Administrator Chris Truitt.
What began as an anticipated straightforward vote on whether to engage an external investigator rapidly transformed into a discussion concerning the trajectory of Truitt’s position within the municipal government.
Council Members Consider Options Regarding Administrator’s Role
“There are essentially three paths forward: first, maintain the current situation; second, implement a probationary period with specific stipulations; or third, terminate employment. These are the options as I perceive them,” stated Mexico Beach Mayor Richard Wolff.
Concerns Raised Regarding City Operations
Council Member Jason Adams articulated apprehension regarding Truitt’s hiring practices and various decisions within the city, including an instance where a city employee was permitted to reside in a government building.
“The issues I’ve raised are not personal in nature. Our role, as the five members of this council, is to provide oversight for the City of Mexico Beach. We are the final authority, and a number of questionable events have unfolded in recent months,” Adams commented.
Vote on Termination and HR Firm Selection Process
Council Members Adams and Jerry Smith cast votes in favor of terminating Truitt’s employment. However, the motion for termination was unsuccessful, failing by a vote of 2-3. Subsequently, the council proceeded to discuss engaging external legal firms to conduct the human resources investigation.
HR Firms Under Consideration
The Pittman Law Group and Krizner Group, both based in Tallahassee, are under consideration to investigate the presented claims and allegations.
“I suggest we select one of these firms. My assessment considered their hourly rates, projected hours, travel expenses, and whether their operations are remote or on-site,” Council Member Tim Linderman explained regarding the selection process.
Estimated Cost of Investigation
The council moved to hire the Krizner Group. Mayor Wolff anticipates the investigation will incur costs ranging from $15,000 to $20,000.