CIRCLEVILLE, OH – September 3, 2024 – The Circleville City Council convened today for a public hearing to address concerns regarding the conduct of Linda Chancey, the city clerk. The hearing, requested by Chansey through her attorney, was held to discuss allegations of misconduct and policy violations.
City Attorney Kendra Kinney opened the session by outlining the purpose of the hearing, which was prompted by a letter from Chancey’s attorney requesting a public forum. Kinney explained that although executive sessions are typically used for such discussions, Chancey’s request for a public hearing was honored.
Kinney detailed the background of the case, noting that since her appointment as city clerk in January 2022, significant issues have arisen. These include inadequate training for the assistant clerk position, unresolved conflicts between Chancey and a part time clerk, Melissa Burns, and failures to meet documentation and policy requirements. Specific concerns include:
- Failure to submit documented clerk hours for 2024.
- Mishandling of city documents, including storing sensitive materials unsecured at her home. This could cause a state ethics review.
- Policy violations and lack of cooperation with HR efforts to address these issues.
Despite efforts to improve the situation, including providing new office equipment and attempting to enhance the working relationship between Chancey and the part-time Clerk problems persisted. In July 2024, Chansey was placed on paid administrative leave while an HR investigation was conducted. The investigation revealed missing documents and inadequate handling of city records.
During the hearing, Chancey expressed regret over the situation, stating she would have preferred an executive session but was advised otherwise. Her attorney, Lucas Thompson, argued that Chancey had devoted 26 years to the role and deserved more support and training rather than dismissal. Thompson emphasized Chancey’s long service and requested that the council consider a resolution that would allow her to retire with dignity.
During her time to speak Chancey addressed Barry and asked him directly, “Do you want rid of me that bad, wow!” Chancey addressed multiple issues but did not have any evidence to refute, most of the items she claimed she was told or that’s how it was done, it was “his word against mine.” She also claimed that she did train the part-time clerk, but many times they fell into issues, and words were exchanged which caused HR department to get involved. Chancey claimed that Keller asked her several times to retire, to the point that she defined it as, “harassment.” Chancey defended herself by reporting that in 26 years she did not have a spot on her record and, “now all of a sudden.
City Council President Barry Kelly reiterated that the issues had not been resolved despite multiple opportunities for improvement. He recommended that the council vote for Chancey’s removal based on her failure to meet the expectations of her position, lack of cooperation, and policy violations. He also reported that there was one citizen complaint on her record that her record was not spotless.
Council members were invited to ask questions and discuss the next steps. Following the presentation of evidence and statements, the council then voted to take discussions into an executive-type session. After the session they returned to Council to make a decision.
The decision to remove Chancey from Council Clerk was approved by a 5-2 vote.
