Chanteau Wilson, Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman’s administrative assistant, became the third person to be effectively fired by the board of aldermen this term.
Aldermen voted 6-1 behind closed doors Tuesday to issue Wilson an ultimatum: Resign by 10 a.m. today or face termination.
Board members did not give a reason for the firing after the hour-long executive session, and Wiseman, citing personnel matters, declined to comment if there was a specific incident that led to the decision.
Wilson served in her position for three years. Wiseman said he personally recommended her for the job when she was hired.
She was not in attendance Tuesday, and the mayor had to call and inform her of the board’s decision after the meeting.
It is not known if the board will fill the now-vacant position.
“I am disheartened by the board’s decision. I depend greatly on the assistance she provided,” Wiseman said. “She has performed admirably, and I do not believe the decision was warranted. I certainly asked (the board) not to do it, and I underscored the value she brings to the office and just how upsetting the decision was.”
If Wiseman vetoes the board’s decision, a 6-1 margin would override his action as five votes are needed for an override.
The mayor did not indicate he would challenge the removal.
Wilson was days away from concluding a six-month probationary period aldermen imposed in January, city minutes show.
Unofficial minutes from Tuesday’s meeting show Ward 3 Alderman David Little motioned the ultimatum forward, and the decision was seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Lisa Wynn. Only Ward 7 Alderman Henry Vaughn opposed the matter.
Vaughn, who left City Hall prior to the board’s announcement of its executive session decisions, was also absent when aldermen approved Wilson’s probation.
Wilson’s removal comes after a flurry of personnel moves since the board took over in July 2013.
Aldermen first forced out former Chief Administrative Officer Lynn Spruill immediately after assuming their posts. Three months later, the board issued an ultimatum — resign or be fired — to Debra Wood, a former court clerk.
In each instance, officials did not give a reason for the personnel moves.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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