July 26, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
Smithville Alderman Gayla Hendrix has issued a statement concerning this week’s charges against Mayor Jimmy Poss and his son Tony Poss and takes issue with their attorney Tony Hagan’s assertions that it is a “political indictment”
Hagan calls the state’s charges of official misconduct and theft of property over $2,500 a political indictment and questions the timing with Mayor Poss up for re-election next week.
“Attorney Hagan’s, assertion that the indictment against Mayor Poss and his son is a “political indictment” is false,” said Alderman Hendrix.
“The Council and City Personnel were never informed that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) intended to conduct an investigation until they contacted the city to schedule meetings. We (the Council) were not made privy to the results of the TBI investigation or their intent to issue indictments until such time as that occurred,” she said.
“The DeKalb County Grand Jury convenes in session once each quarter. While it may be unfortunate that the first scheduled Grand Jury session following the TBI investigation would occur the week prior to the election, the Grand Jury session was not scheduled as a “political” ploy, but rather in the regular course of business for the 13th Judicial District,” said Alderman Hendrix.
Her complete statement is as follows:
“As a member of the City Council for the City of Smithville, I deem it necessary to issue a public statement in an effort to address questions and concerns raised by the citizens of the City of Smithville respecting the recent indictments against Mayor Jimmy Poss and his son, Tony Poss.
It is an unfortunate event for our City that this has happened.”
“However, I would like to make our community aware that the City Council and City Personnel made every attempt to avoid the situation escalating to this magnitude.”
“We (the Council) were completely unaware of the unauthorized employment of the Mayor’s son until the first quarter of this year. Once Mayor Poss’ conduct was brought to our attention, we undertook an independent investigation which revealed the same violations as reflected in the report of the State Comptroller. Specifically: 1) the Mayor unilaterally created a part-time position and hired his son, Tony Poss, paying him a salary of $300 per week for six months without board approval and in violation of the City’s nepotism policy (In March, 2018, when the Council questioned Mayor Poss’ hiring of his son, Tony Poss was terminated immediately); 2) the Mayor further admitted to hiring other employees without the Council approval and without following the procedures promulgated in the Smithville City Charter, City Ordinances, and the City’s Personnel Policy.”
“Once made aware, the Council questioned the Mayor’s decisions and he admitted the allegations”.
“We, the Council, then requested that Mayor Poss tender an apology and offer to repay the funds to the city; however, he refused”.
“Therefore, the City Council convened a Special Meeting to discuss the allegations. Regrettably, the Mayor refused to attend this meeting and to answer any questions raised by the Council; therefore a public censure was issued”.
“The Council and City Personnel were never informed that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) intended to conduct an investigation until they contacted the city to schedule meetings. We (the Council) were not made privy to the results of the TBI investigation or their intent to issue indictments until such time as that occurred”.
“Attorney Hagan’s, (counsel for Mayor Poss and his son) assertion that the indictment against Mayor Poss and his son is a “political indictment” is false”.
“The DeKalb County Grand Jury convenes in session once each quarter. While it may be unfortunate that the first scheduled Grand Jury session following the TBI investigation would occur the week prior to the election, the Grand Jury session was not scheduled as a “political” ploy, but rather in the regular course of business for the 13th Judicial District”.
“While a very unfortunate event, this situation has made the Council much more vigilant of the city’s business. As your city representatives, we intend to remain vigilant and fiscally responsible as we move forward, regardless of the election outcome. Significant progress has been made over the last few years, but there is much more work to be done”.