The former director of the Baldwin County Library Cooperative (BCLC) denies she ever requested the board fire all employees, as was reported to the Baldwin County Commission by board members.
The commission voted Tuesday to dissolve the BCLC. In May, the BCLC board terminated all its employees.
After investigation, the commission reported, “Apparently, the Director informed the Board that the County Commission was going dissolve the BCLC, the assets of the BCLC would be seized by the Commission and all employees would be fired immediately without severance pay at the June 4th Commission Meeting,” according to a document from the commission. "The Director requested the BCLC board to terminate all BCLC employees effective immediately and approve providing the employees with one year’s worth of salary as severance pay.”
However, former BCLC Director Elizabeth Webb contacted 1819 News, saying the information was incorrect.
"While I did present an email from Mr. [Roger] Rendleman [Baldwin County Administrator] stating that the county would be voting on the future of the Cooperative and would transfer all assets to the Commission in June, I did not call the emergency meeting nor did I direct the Board to fire all staff," Webb wrote. "Those actions were taken by the Board as required by state law. I did suggest they provide the employees severance, and the Board agreed."
Commissioners told 1819 News they had no choice because the cooperative had been operating as a non-profit, which they believe is against Alabama law.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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