Commissioners Disagree On Woolfork Investigation Expenses
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JACKSON, Tenn-Madison County commissioners have differing opinions on whether the money spent into sexual harassment claims against Sheriff David Woolfork is money well spent. Adrian Eddleman, was among the majority of commissioners when he voted to spend up to $30,000 on the investigation of two sexual harassment claims against the sheriff. He said he will okay the extra $1,500 in expenses too. “Yes, there is a cost here but sometimes the county takes on liabilities beyond our control,” Commissioner Eddleman said. He added that it is the commission’s job to do an internal investigation into claims by Deputy Sharon Sangster and Lt. Lisa Balderrama. The added cost came after the county attorney recommended using an independent investigator to eliminate biases; but not everyone agrees on the extra costs. “The EEOC is going to do an investigation if the women filed,” Commissioner Luther T. Mercer said. “So we just spent that money to investigate for nothing. We can’t do anything with the report.” According to County Finance Director, Mike Nichols, the money is taken out of the general fund’s reserve balance set aside for emergencies like this. “We talk about saving taxpayers money then we throw away money for no reason at all,” Commissioner Mercer said. The County Commission’s next meeting is Monday. During this time, commissioners will be asked to vote on the extra $1,500 in expenses.
