A special meeting is held to discuss complaints against WW County Commissioner Jenny Mayberry
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, August 29th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Wednesday to discuss complaints made against Commissioner Jenny Mayberry by employees of the Walla Walla County Public Works Department. They said they considered her to be acting in a manner that was disrespectful and harassing.
The latest complaints follow similar complaints made about Mayberry by staff at last year’s Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Mayberry’s attorney Jesse Nolte read a letter prepared by Mayberry. In the letter, Mayberry stated she was displeased with this entire situation and how it has been handled.
“There is a failure of evidence to support a finding of a violation of the county’s non-discrimination or anti-harassment policy provisions,” Mayberry wrote. “Instead, two commissioners have decided to publicly humiliate me by attacking my character and my personal communication skills.”
Mayberry concluded the letter stating she accepts all consequences for her actions.
In response to Mayberry’s letter, Board Chairman Todd Kimball read a letter as a summary of the county’s workplace investigation into the complaints received. The letter recognizes Mayberry’s commitment to the county, but also states her described behavior in the complaints is unacceptable.
The letter instructs Mayberry to be professional and respectful in all communications and interactions with staff; refrain from contacting department or elected official staff directly as this interferes with their work, causes confusion, and provided a stressful work environment. As a further remedial measure, Mayberry will no longer serve as the alternate board member to the Walla Walla County Public Works Department.
“If you are willing to consider an executive coach who can help you with your communication skills and behavior, we are happy to consider this option at the county’s expense,” the letter concluded.
Commissioner Gunner Fulmer said he was saddened that somehow, out of all of this, it was perceived that he and Kimball have an agenda.
“There’s no agenda here,” Fulmer added. “We have a duty to act on those complaints. Commissioners, we must adhere to a high level of professionalism always, whether we’re in chambers or speaking with county employees or speaking with members of the public.”
Throughout the meeting, both Kimball and Fulmer said they have a responsibility to protect county employees and that those employees expect to be treated fairly and respectfully.
