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Athens Co. Job And Family Services Director To Resign At End Of The Year

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Athens County Department of Job and Family Services Director Jack Frech will resign from his position at the end of the year. The decision was announced following a pre-disciplinary hearing with the Athens County Commissioners on Tuesday. The commissioners decided to take no action following the hearing, but Frech said he will resign at the end of the year.

The Messenger reported last week that Frech was alleging that the commissioners were conducting an investigation regarding alleged misconduct. Frech alleged that the investigation caused him to experience mental health issues.

“It sure seemed to me like he (Commission President Lenny Eliason) was trying to get rid of me,” Frech said. “The way this whole process was handled was brutal.”
 

Frech provided The Messenger with four notices of a pre-disciplinary conference, signed by Eliason, that allege:

– Insubordination for failing to fill out proper forms for sick leave as required by the commissioners’ personnel policy manual.

– Insubordination for failing to record written documentation of a verbal discussion with an employee that resulted in a reprimand for that employee.

– Threatening, intimidating or coercing of employees or supervisors. It’s alleged that Frech used poor judgment in disciplining supervisors and that employees fear they can’t be truthful for fear of “Jack’s wrath.”

– Making false statements (during a meeting with the county prosecutor) regarding “the board of commissioners operating outside the scope of office of commissioners.”

The first three allegations could have resulted in discipline up to dismissal.