Commissioners Approve More Funding for Woolfork Investigation
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JACKSON, Tenn.–Madison County commissioners approved more funding for a private investigation involving Sheriff David Woolfork, Monday. In a 19-6 vote, the board approved an additional $1,600 for an already completed private investigation into Woolfork. The money is in addition to the $30,000 in taxpayer money they already approved. “When we approved that we knew that it could go over a little bit, so I’m not bothered at all by going over $1,500,” Ann Duvall Harrell said, a commissioner. Commissioner Claudell Brown voted against the added expense. “Nothing has been proven,” Brown said. “Nothing has been tried. Nothing, no verdicts have been given.” In another 19-6 vote on Monday, the board agreed to begin meditations with Deputy Sharon Sangster and Lt. Lisa Balderrama at the earliest convenient date. “If it can save us money, which mediation usually can save you money, then I’m all for that,” said Harrell. “Find opposition against negotiating damages when a wrong has not been proven in court,” said Brown. Woolfork‘s appeal hearing for the order of protection granted to Deputy Sangster has been moved to March. “The county did not want to wait until March to enter into mediation,” said Madison County Attorney Steve Maroney. Maroney said Balderrama and Sangster have not made any formal commands yet. “So I really couldn‘t say how much it will cost to settle their claims,” he said. Commissioners also amended the county‘s sexual harassment policy. Employees can now report complaints to the county mayor, the deputy mayor, or any commissioner on the personnel committee. “It is good to have another path that they can follow to get their concerns in the open,” said Harrell. “I hope and pray it will not be an overreaction where there will be false or trivial matters brought before,” said Brown. “It gives more opportunities and more accessibility for employees, which is always good.”
