But Board Chairman Paul S. Helms said that the county manager has handled the matter well and that he considers the issue closed.
“It’s time to address more important issues before the board,” Helms said.
Commissioner Colin McKenzie countered that he did not agree with Helms’ view.
The exchange took place near the end of the Tuesday afternoon board meeting, during the period set aside for a report from the county manager and from individual commissioners.
“There was a storm over the courthouse last week,” Holden said, reading from prepared notes. “I don’t know whether it was a tempest in a teapot or a hurricane. I’ve been deeply upset.”
The commissioners were referring to the resignations of Assistant County Manager Allison D. Melvin and Emer-gency Services Director Barry Britt amid allegations of an improper personal relationship.
Melvin and Britt submitted letters of resignation one day apart last week, with one resignation effective Jan. 21 and the other Jan. 29. Melvin said she would take sick leave until Jan. 29. Britt’s letter did not mention sick leave, but County Manager W. David McNeill Jr. told The Pilot that Britt was scheduled to undergo surgery late last week.
“I strongly object to paying employees after they leave,” Holden said. “It gives the appearance of being hush money. I believe this is not an isolated episode.”
Holden, a former board chairman, said making such payments is not fair to other county employees and not fair to the people of Moore County.
“Moore County should not pay for inappropriate behavior,” Holden continued.
After Helms expressed his opinion that the issue was closed, McKenzie immediately voiced disagreement.
“This falls under the county manager’s duties,” Helms said.
“I don’t believe it should be closed,” McKenzie said.
The “inappropriate behavior” was a reference to a suit which Melvin’s husband has brought against Britt. In the complaint, Alan Melvin is suing on the grounds of “alienation of affection” and “criminal conversation.”
McNeill had appointed Melvin and Britt to the positions they held at the time of their resignations. The board of commissioners makes three direct appointments: the county manager, the clerk to the board and the county attorney.
