John Creasy hired in illegal vote; Gary Pollard resigns one week later

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Tuesday, January 20. 2009
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John Creasy was hired as “safety officer” for the Banks County Fire Department during a two-hour closed door meeting of the board of commission on Jan. 13. The 2-1 vote to hire him was done during a closed session in violation of the Georgia Open Meetings Law which requires all votes to be done in open session.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the BOC denied that a vote was taken in the Jan. 13 meeting. However, Creasy started work on Jan. 14—the day after the closed door meeting. The BOC denies hiring Creasy Jan. 13 but has not disclosed why he started working on Jan. 14 without being hired.

When the BOC meeting was opened to the public after the almost two-hour closed session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, it was announced that no action was to be taken and the meeting was adjourned. The Banks County News later learned that Creasy had been hired and questioned commissioners and county attorney Randall Frost about the issue.

Frost took the blame for the action and said he has advised the BOC to put the item on the agenda of the next meeting for an official public vote.

“That was my mistake,” Frost said this week. “I just thought that because it was a temporary position and not permanent that they didn’t have to announce it. After looking at the (open meetings) law closely, I realize that is not the case. They do need to vote (in an open meeting).”

Creasy will be paid $45,000 in this new “safety officer” position. Rickey Cain voted against the action, while Joe Barefoot and chairman Milton Dalton voted in favor of it.

Georgia law clearly states that any vote taken in closed session is not legal or binding.

The law states: “Any resolution, rule, regulation, ordinance or other official action of an agency adopted, taken or made at a meeting which is not open to the public shall not be binding…The vote on any matter covered shall be taken in public and minutes of the meeting as provided in this chapter shall be made available.”

POLLARD RESIGNS

One week after Creasy was hired, Gary Pollard resigned as fire/EMS director with Creasy’s hiring apparently being the reason. Pollard’s salary was $46,900.

“This letter is to inform you that due to recent decisions that have been made, I will be resigning from the position of chief of Banks County fire and EMS,” he wrote in his letter of resignation. “I have 240 hours of paid leave time that I will be taking through the end of February, however, I will not be serving in any capacity of the role of chief during this time.”

Pollard also asked for six months of severance pay.

“Due to the quick decisions the board has made, I feel like I have to make the decision that I am making, therefore, I am asking for you to consider the severance package,” Pollard wrote.

BOC chairman Dalton said Monday this would not be considered.

“We have never given severance pay,” he said.

Dalton also said the hiring freeze approved by the BOC Monday meant that Pollard’s position would not be filled any time soon. He said Creasy would handle Pollard’s duties on an interim basis.

Last year, Creasy resigned as volunteer deputy chief after conflict with Pollard. More than 30 volunteer firefighters resigned along with Creasy.

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#1 big Joe on 01/20/09 at 01:06 PM [Reply]
I rest my case ! How about creating a position which was NOT budgeted!
A complete violation of the public trust and not in office 30 days.
Dirty politics with Dalton's hands all over it!

Do the right thing Milton and remove Creasy.Let's put this position out there for qualified application and appoint an independent group of 3-4 unbiased citizens recommend the hire. If John Creasy is the BEST qualified to lead the Banks/Fire EMS then he should stand up and Ask for this action.
Put this whole mess once and for all Banks county !
#1.1 Anon on 01/20/09 at 02:29 PM [Reply]
This goes to show that Milton has his own personal agenda of revenge against Pollard. This will be only the first step of his plan. Your right Joe, not 30 days and already blood on his hands. Illegal meetings and votes where campaing favors are being returned. There was no posting of the availability of the position that was created just for Creasy. There was no public comment period on the creation of the position and salary. Milton's actions have just taken public safety back 5 steps for the one it came forward in the last year. As a taxpayer in this county I would like to know why budgets are being cut but new positions are being created. The hiring freeze is aweful convienant in the fact that a Chief cannot be hired and thus puts Milton's boy in charge until further. I hope the community will stand up against Milton his corrupt ways.
#1.2 Anonymous on 01/20/09 at 02:45 PM [Reply]
I cannot beleive what a betrayal of the citizens of this county this is! This is a perfect example of taking a step backwards in respect to the level of emergency service provided to the citizens of banks county. Not to mention a complete smack to the face of Gary Pollard who has served the position of fire cheif amazingly well. And to appoint John Creasy as saftey director... The same John Creasy who when times got tough just decided to up and leave instead of sticking with the county that "he loves so much". This is a sad day to be a citizen of Banks County.
#1.2.1 Anonymous on 01/20/09 at 08:42 PM [Reply]
Funny, how Gary Pollard when times got tough (he thought)just decided to up and leave instead of sticking with the county that "he loves so much".
#2 Anonymous on 01/20/09 at 02:33 PM [Reply]
If the position is critical to be filled why doesn't the county have a hiring board of qualified professionals from the Fire-EMS field, form other services of course, interviw and hire the best fitted applicant?
#3 Ellen Thomas on 01/20/09 at 04:46 PM [Reply]
This Banks County with the new chairman is just like Chicago Politics-Pay-Off --Pay off.
Surely the other comm. wouldn't let him get away with it.Their will be no respect for our comm.or the new Fire Chief and the ones who voted to hire him. Shame on you guys
#4 Bev Thompson on 01/20/09 at 08:32 PM [Reply]
Is this really happening in Banks County?Thanks Banks County News for being alert to this.These commissioners went to school to learn you cannot do this behind closed doors. If the lawyer told them it was okay, they should look for a replacement. A salary has to be apporated to add a new position such as safety director and detailed what his duties and salary would be. A qualified board needs to do this.I smell a skunk somewhere.
#4.1 Anonymous on 01/21/09 at 02:07 PM [Reply]
The job of "safety officer" was created for Steve Nichols before he took the job in Jackson County. The position was also budgeted under Gene Hart if anyone attended the commissioner meetings. The job was never filled. Also he(Gene Hart) had some dirty tricks up his sleeve by having afternoon meeting to get things approved. At least I won't have to see Chief Pollard at the outlets shopping or eating lunch at one of the restaurants when he could bring his lunch from home.
#4.1.1 Anonymous on 01/22/09 at 10:39 AM [Reply]
I hope you have never eaten out on your lunch break. I guess that is not acceptable to get lunch while your in the area conducting normal business. Don't forget all the after hours calls he responded to and extra hours put into building a department that were never compensated due to being a salaried position. Funny how we sometimes forget these things and only wanna jump down someone's back for personal reasons? So.... Tell me, which of the ones that left are you?
#5 Annon on 01/20/09 at 08:33 PM [Reply]
Its strange how Chief Gary Pollard resigns just because someone was hired. Why dont you all wait and see what the real reason was behind his resignation. No one made him leave that was his choice. If he was doing his job and had nothing to hide then he should have stayed, jobs now days with his salary are not easy to find.
#6 Gordon Eli on 01/20/09 at 09:17 PM [Reply]
Politics at its best!!!! We need to start the recall process. I am a tax payer in Banks County and will not stand for you Dalton or Barefoot making decision as critical as EMT/Fire Department for your best interest... To hire your buddy Creasy he can go back to Dekalb, if he stills wants to work. Sounds to me like we also need to replace the county attorney. You would think laws would be checked out before you take action. I guess when you know the action is illegal, you would try to hide it. Got Caught!!! Help me understand how this is in the best interest citizens of the county. Then explain to me why this was done in a closed door meeting. Dalton is out for revenge that is what his agenda. What a great impression you have made in the first fews weeks in office.... This is disgraceful! You have confirmed to me and the others in the county that politicians are crocked.

Now let me explain to the citizens of the county why we don’t need a volunteer EMT/Fire Department. Had to call 911 when we thought my father was having a stroke or heart attack. Well, the first person to arrive was a first responder, then another. They place a tube down his throat, to help with the breathing. He he died and it was at the hands of the volunteers who placed the ET, before the ambulance arrived. They had punctured his esophagus. Which was discovered at the hospital, when x-rays were taken to determine the placement of the breathing tube. Maybe its time that I contact my lawyer and provide him with the facts and documentation, for what I think is gross negligence. Folks we need to get involved it has been proven they are not there for the people. It is only their best interest at heart!!!!!
#6.1 Time to Clean UP Fire Dept. on 01/21/09 at 08:20 AM [Reply]
Maybe you should contact your lawyer because Volunteers are not allowed to place tubes down your throat unless this is something new that the previous chief (pollard) has allowed. EMT/Paramadics is the only one who is allowed to place tubes in the throat. This goes to show you that they have little or no training at all and who is responsible for this Chief (Pollard)was and his training officer which someone needs to check and see if he is qualified to even be a training officer.
#6.2 Anonymous on 01/21/09 at 08:44 AM [Reply]
CLEAN UP THIS FIRE DEPT. YOU CANT PLEASE EVERYONE, LOOK AT THE MESS BEFORE WHEN THE FORMER COMMISSIONER WAS IN OFFICE. THE ONES THAT ARE SO QUICK TO JUDGE MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE RUN FOR COMMISSIONER. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DEBATE NOT A COMMENT PAGE!
#6.3 A real doctor on 01/22/09 at 07:44 PM [Reply]
Sure, it was the volunteers that killed him and not the heart attack. You are a great doctor. I'll bet you'll enjoy the "free money" you won't get due to negligence that didn't happen. You are clearly just another ambulance chaser that wants free tax dollars to buy a new car.

Go back to work at your convenience store and stay out of medicine. Leave that for the highly trained professionals that respond to your ungreatful mobile home.
#7 To: Annon #5 on 01/21/09 at 08:34 AM [Reply]
Maybe you sir should find out what is really going on. Back room meetings at Denny's with promises made to former volunteers that if Milton was elected they would have their revenge. The leader of their coup has now been put in an unnecessary position. Remember these were the same volunteers that walked out on the county because of losing their title. They can claim safety issues and whatever they may. The facts are there were no calls unanswered and no firefighters killed as they swore would happen. The FD added many new and experienced members and in general grew into a better service for the county. Milton's back door deals have already shown how simple minded he is. It's all about revenge and pay-backs. RECALL RECALL RECALL!
#7.1 Anonymous on 01/21/09 at 09:00 AM [Reply]
Maybe you should read the article where the lady's father died, no firefighters were killed however someone's loved one was; she said due to volunteers, read yourself. By the way its obvious you are a BCFD employee along with some others that have made comments.
#7.1.1 Anonymous on 01/21/09 at 09:33 AM [Reply]
As the follow up stated, volunteers in Banks County do not perform those procedures. They don't have authorization or the equipment. I am not an employee but have family members that have been with the department, also not as employees, for years before this blow up ever began. I have not been fed one side of the story as you obviously have. I have seen where this department has come through the last 9 years. My family has seen Jackman, Dalton, Nichols, and Pollard as chiefs. It was on an upturn recently. Now all progress has been stopped and the downslide will begin with the return of certain problems.
#8 Anonymous on 01/21/09 at 09:18 AM [Reply]
It is known that there was a chopping list of persons that would be fired or forced to resign within 90 days of Milton taking office. The former volunteers created this list and made a deal with Milton. They provided campaign support, money, and pubic display. The top name on the list was Pollard. When the chairman is the key player in the game it is hard to beat. If you had a new boss that publicly states he cannot and will not work with you less than 6 months before what option would you take? Stepping down until the plot is uncovered or live with harassment from the director and chairman until eventual revengatory firing? The people on here supporting this crooked decision are the very ones at the center of the deal. The community needs to speak up and tell the commisioners they want a professional and well trained department. Not a group of people who screamed, hollered, stompped their feet, and left when they didn't get their way. I would rather have well trained personal respond to my emergency instead of basically trained ya-hoo's. This is not the county of 20 years ago and doesn't need a FD-EMS service of that era. Lets this continue and that is what you will have.
#9 jeff on 01/21/09 at 11:34 AM [Reply]
Bet the hit list goes something like this:
Pollard -Check
Pollard supporters- pending
Volunteers who stayed- pending

Citizens of Banks County getting screwed by good old boy politics again ! - Inevitable

To those 'Former Volunteers" taking shots at Pollard ...you "up and left us" the Citizens of Banks county first so hush up.
There needs to be a new Chief from outside Banks County brought in and let him decide who stays and how things are run...no micromanaging from the BOC.
Joe Barefoot needs to explain this move as he has come out in support of Pollard ??? Someone get in your back pocket Joe ?
Let me finish by saying that this whole fiasco could have been avoided after Steve Nichols left if a national search for a qualified candidate had been done ...not a popularity contest between Gary Pollard ands John Creasy.
#9.1 Anonymous on 01/21/09 at 12:25 PM [Reply]
The actions of the BOC and the judgment of the county attorney are very disturbing!

The citizens of Banks County deserve better governance than this.

Not a good way to start your Chairmanship, Mr. Dalton!
#9.2 Anonymous on 01/21/09 at 12:55 PM [Reply]
Jeff why dont you give your last name, there are two Jeff's in the dept with little or no qualifications which one are you????
#10 Banks Insider on 01/21/09 at 02:42 PM [Reply]
Anyone who didn't see this coming carries around a cane and a seeing eye dog.
#11 Anonymous on 01/21/09 at 04:31 PM [Reply]
Since the position for Creasy was done illegally and was non binding then he is not officially in that position. The hiring freeze was done legally and therefore binding. Legally the BOC cannot hire him at next weeks comissioners meeting unless they reverse the hiring freeze. It will be interesting to see how Milton worms and slides his way around this one. My guess is they will unfreeze for the Dirctor position for Creasy but still will not hire a Fire Chief because that is not in his grand scheme. More corruption to come, just wait for what's next.
#11.1 gordon Eli on 01/21/09 at 08:59 PM [Reply]
Folks,

It's time that the Citizens of Bank County take action, below I have provided you with the conclusion of the Georgia Sunshine Law. I copied and pasted the title below, copy to your web browser and do a find. On this website you can find a brief, general and non-technical discussion of Georgia’s Sunshine Laws, so that the citizens of Georgia may better participate in open government. You will also find a SAMPLE OPEN RECORDS REQUEST. We all need to complete one and send or hand deliver it. After reading this, you too as I did, will find it hard to believe that the county attorney didn't know this was illegal!!!!!!!! I have sent a letter to the, Georgia Attorney General’s Office requesting information for an investigation of Milton Dalton and the commissioners.

Here is the conclusion to the Georgia Sunshine law,

It is the public policy of Georgia that all agencies of our State should conduct business in the open and
employ records that are available to every citizen. Experience has shown that openness is the best
policy in government, both to help assure honest and forthright decisions by governmental officials, and to
continue the perception that governmental decisions are made in the brightness of Georgia’s sunshine.

GEORGIA’S SUNSHINE LAWS A Citizen’s Guide to Open Governmen


Copy and paste to your web browser.
#12 jeff on 01/21/09 at 04:41 PM [Reply]
Wrong again I am NOT a member of the department but I do know Firefighters/EMS on BOTH sides of it.
I don't blame ANY of the full time or currant volunteers for any of this or the former volunteer line firefighters. There a handful of folks on both sides of this issue that have conducted themselves like children having a temper tantrum.
I say again if the Gary Pollard /John Creasy hiring process would have been conducted as a state wide or national search for the best qualified person then we wouldn't be having this issue.
As for my last name that's big words coming from Anonymous poster ! Personally I would not blame the currant paid staff and the volunteers if they resigned at there "big meeting" Thursday night.
It's called the shoes on the other foot..and would serve John Creasy and his three amigos right !
#13 disappointed on 01/21/09 at 06:21 PM [Reply]
I was really hoping Mr. Dalton was better than this I am extremly disappointed in him.As for you Mr. Barefoot there is time to change your vote,If you are smart you should join Mr. Cain and right this wrong.Mr. Dalton dont make decisions based on political favors just do the right thing ,thats all you have to do.Joe dont fall in this trap you once backed your employees now you are throwing them under the bus,you still have time to change , THINK VERY SERIOUSLY ABOUT THIS NEXT VOTE.
#13.1 anon on 01/22/09 at 09:27 AM [Reply]
I don't understand why you are dissappointed? Dalton called a special meeting Wednesday AM at 10:30 and made everything official.Barefoot voted just like he did behind closed doors. Creasy was already on the payroll last week and working a few minutes after the vote.They say its temp. until they get qualified people to apply.Who in their right mind would do that with Creasy in the drivers seat? This was set up by Dalton and Barefoot planning.
#14 greg on 01/21/09 at 06:23 PM [Reply]
for a min there i thought i was back in grammer school...what needs to be done is to start fresh and do a search for a new chief and let him run the dept and choose how the dept is run,would be best if he was not from banks county.
#15 Anonymous on 01/22/09 at 12:06 PM [Reply]
My comment is if Gary Pollard was not doing his job then why didn't the Comm. fire him. Instead they decide to spend tax payers money to pay someone to do their job. It sounds pretty spineless on the comm. part. If someone doesn't do their job they should be replaced. But when you go in a round about way to get rid of someone in sure does look dishonest. Comm, we are not stupid so please don't treat us like we are.
#16 T. Massey on 01/22/09 at 06:18 PM [Reply]
It seems that no matter who is filling the position of Commission Chair, that person becomes public enemy number one. When people are allowed to have a sounding board, it also seems that not one good thing is ever said concerning the subject being discussed. There are a lot of hate-filled things being said here, and I’m wondering what the reason for that is. Milton is a good person and is having to make decisions that not everyone is going to agree with. His position now will also involve a lot more decisions that not everyone is going to agree with. I did vote for him, and I’m glad I did. He’s already proven himself during the many, many years he worked for Banks County and never did I hear one negative thing being said about him. In fact, I believe the voters spoke when he was elected. Surely you don’t think so many people are waiting for their backs to be scratched simply because they voted in his favor. I seriously doubt that a handful of firefighters had such an impact on the numbers at the polls. I truly believe his record as an honest and fair government employee and as a person in general is the reason he’s in the position now. You many not have voted for Milton, but his position deserves the respect and support of Banks County citizens. We also need to remember that he’s not the only one voting. You make it sound as though he somehow forced Mr. Barefoot to mirror any vote he made. I believe Mr. Barefoot can think for himself. I’m confident they both thought Mr. Creasy is qualified to do the job. I’m also confident that not one person sounding off here is qualified to do either job and is, therefore, relieved of having to make those decisions. I’m glad that we have someone with Milton’s integrity to make these decisions for us. I believe there are better ways to solve issues than what is being done here.
#17 A.C.L on 01/22/09 at 07:59 PM [Reply]
Good Evening Dear Citizen's....................
Here we stand once more, without the answers to the questions that we are all asking! For those of you who refuse to even give your initials, dont be so cowardly 1st ammendment gives us this very right. I would give my name but I have too many ties and relatives whom may suffer the recourse. All that I want to Know is that My Home will be protected, and my Health condition treated, by those qualified to do so...... I personally have the Upmost RESPECT for the "Leaders of Our County" It seems to me That "FROST" Frost is whom is to BLAME for this illegal action. He is a Snake, you can tell but looking in his eyes, oh, you cant becouse he will not look at you when he speaks. Maybe he is Better than the Citizens of Banks County? Who Knows!
Definition - (LEADER);"a person who rules or guides or inspires others" You decide for yourself who the "Leaders" are Gary Pollard is this definition, hands down, unlike other people in "power" in this county he does not lead by intimidation, he does not ask any member of his TEAM to do anything that he would not do.....I remember VERY clearly a fire that occured, 3rd on scene, Gary Pollard, not in this Class A's but in his fight suit Pulling Line, he only left when the call came that someone's life was on the Line and the situation at hand was under control that IS a LEADER! Some could Learn from this. I however do agree that It is time to start sweaping up the mess that has been LEFT for those in "Leadership Positions" Speaking only of Three Men..... Everyone else whom has an opinion or a personal Agenda Leave them Alone and let them do there job. I did not vote for Barrack Obama but he is our President and his decisions we will have to now live with, Same for Mr. Dalton he is now the Chairman I did vote for him however,And I am PROUD I DID so we as Citizens will have to live with his decisions, If you dont like him or his decisions you have two Choices (A). MOVE or (B). Use your Birth Right to the First Ammendment and speak out! but dont be afraid to use your name, or at least initials.
We as a Nation Should be PRAYING for, SUPPORTING, and ENCOURAGING "OUR" "LEADERS"

MY TOP THREE FOR LEADERSHIP AWARD-
1) Sheriff Charles Chapman
2) Chief Gary Pollard
3) Director Deidra Moore

These are Three examples of REAL LEADERS whom have had to fight tooth and nail just to get an approval for pertinant Safety Equipment from the "THREE MEN AND A BABY".
PEOPLE!!!! THESE ARE the Ones whom keep us SAFE!
THEY need our Support!
Just to touch on another topic
"HIRING FREEZE"
YEAH like Banks County can afford that! Excuse me Banks County Public Safety cannot afford that. In my Opinion, They should Literly "TRIM THE FAT" in some Depts! I think we should give the Water Dept to Griffen Brothers, So that they may form A Water Authority. honestly how much money does it make the County, I'll bet it probably cost as much as it makes! Just an Idea Anyway a hiring freeze will only HURT BANKS COUNTY and ITS Citizens!
Oh yeah and Just for the Record your HR person is sure not "TRYING" hard to get your Insurance rates down. Call the 6 counties that touch Banks and ask how much there EMPLOYEE FAMILY COVERAGE is, It is sure not $600.00 / month For those that want to Know that IS $3.60 / hour for every hour that you work in a year..... What a SHAME, This aint the Cotton MIll anymore!!!!!! Allow your Employees to Buy Groceries Madam "Personell Officer". WHATEVER!!!! DO AS YOU DO!
#17.1 bsd on 01/27/09 at 09:51 AM [Reply]
I admire you for composing a list of the people you would like to see get a Leadership Award but I also hope you realize that if a vote took place for this it would be the same continous complaints that are taking place against politicians who were elected by voters in Banks County. I hope that everyone who publicizes their opinion is a registered voter but I am afraid that is not the case. However, I, too will say I voted for Milton Dalton and if this is the only mistake made by the BOC during his time in office, Banks County will be in wonderful shape. I also second your statement that the only thing that can be done at this point is to PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! And not only for our county, state and country leaders but for our fellow countians!
#18 Anonymous on 01/22/09 at 08:55 PM [Reply]
I can't wait for the five member board to go into effect!
It looks like Mr. Cain is going to need extra help.
I think everyone needs to ease up on Mr. Dalton, keep in
mind he is in his seventies, can he handle the pressure?
LOL!
#19 Banks Insider on 01/23/09 at 12:06 PM [Reply]
Yes Mr. Massey but what he did was ILLEGAL! What part of that don't you understand?!
#20 A Lifelong Citizen on 01/26/09 at 12:22 PM [Reply]
I have lived here my entire life. I pay taxes just like
the rest of you. I have watched commissioners come and
go. And I can tell you right now, NOT one thing has
changed in regards to how business is done. You all can
gripe and complain all you want to, you are just
wasting your breath.
#21 Nikki Larson on 01/27/09 at 11:53 PM [Reply]
My my my if all of this isn't some High School Bull Snick I'm not sure what is.

Bottom Line: Vote was illegal - we all know that.

Personally, I do not know Creasy or Pollard. If they were to knock on my door I wouldn't know who was who. But what I do know is all of this is so BLASTED ridiculous!!

However, while I have only been in Banks County for a short time I have found that this little town is more corrupt than Washington. It seems that everyone here plays off of the "good ol' boy" mentality. And look where that has got you - - on the front page of the Big Town Paper with everyone bad mouthing everyone else.

From what I can tell... this group needs a Mama. One that will tell you "You know whats right & wrong & u know that eventually u have to pay for all your wrong."

You all are a bunch of supposedly "GROWN" men. And yet you act as though you are trying to make sure your "team" wins the game.

GROW UP & GET 4 REAL

NIKKI LARSON
#22 Banks Couinty Voter and Citizen on 02/13/09 at 05:59 PM [Reply]
I am truly ashamed of being a citizen of this county with all the fighting and foolishness that goes on behind closed doors of our county robbing peter to pay pete .Putting inocent lives in danger in our county over money and politics
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