According to resignation letters sent by the city Thursday, former Port Wentworth administrators stated that they were forced to quit because of a hostile work environment.
Six employees quit their jobs, including a city manager, clerk in court and director of human resources. This was attributed to the sudden nature of the departures and the confidentiality of the departures. The city accountant, municipal clerk of utility billing and municipal clerk of accounts receivable all resigned.
The exodus began on February 9, with Edwin Booth, thenCity Manager. announcinghisresignationIn the middle of a council workshop. Booth announced Booth’s resignation two days later. He left five other staff members, leaving only one member on the city’s senior leadership group.
Booth says that the resignations of key staff members were held in confidence “to prevent any further aggressive behavior by certain members of council and two departments heads, in particular, from those who have been involved in politics.”
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Similar reporting:The chaos continues in Port Wentworth after 6 employees quit
Previous coverage:Edwin Booth, Port Wentworth’s city manager, resigns during a council workshop
Shanta Scarboro, Clerk of Council, stated that her resignation was based on a decline in company culture. This is a lack of positive leadership that allows professionals to function in a peaceful atmosphere. Instead, the work environment has turned hostile and has been a problem for many years.”
Booth cited a hostile work environment for his reasons for resigning.
“I had high hopes the newly elected council would allow my to focus on these quality of life issues. Booth’s letter states that it is now clear that the new council wants their own employees and is focused on them.
The letters of the four administrative employees were submittedto Booth or Scarboro, their direct supervisors. The documents did not give reasons for the departure. Many stated that they were grateful for the chance to work with other staff members.
Booth began his position at Port Wentworth one year and two months back. He is currently on vacation until February, his last official day. 27.
More:Port Wentworth Police chief resigns after being appointed interim city manager
Port Wentworth’s city council has not been spared the six resignations. James Coursey, the city lawyer, resigned Dec. 31 “due t professional reasons.” Continue readingRecentlyAfter just one day in the temporary position, Matthew Libby, chief of police, resigned as acting mayor. In his letter, he requested that his last day be February 25.
“This request is due partly to the inability of complete my duties sans interference,” Libby wrote to his resignation letter. “I will continue to serve Port Wentworth as chief of police.”
Several council members have challenged Booth’s appointment of Libby as interim city manager. They claim that they wereNot consulted on Libby’shiringThese are some of the cited examplescharter rules.
Port Wentworth’s city council and staff have been at odds over personnel issues for years. Incidents have ranged from Some controversial hiringsFireworksToRehirings,SuspensionAnd Resignations.
Nancy Guan is Chatham County’s general assignment reporter. Reach her at [email protected]You can also follow @nancyguann Twitter
