Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
As our team reported last week, a routine performance evaluation for the county administrator turned into a resignation that shocked and surprised county leaders.
Barnwell County Administrator Meredith Wright submitted her resignation after county council performed her annual evaluation on October 14. County leaders described Wright’s evaluation as “overall positive.”
While public records related to the evaluation and resignation were not released by the time the original article was published, they have since been released. These documents provide some insight, but they also leave just as many questions. These questions deserve answers.
Wright’s evaluation, which looked at 15 categories, was overwhelmingly positive, according to a summary report of council’s answers. She received “exceeds expectations” or “outstanding” on 14 of those categories. She only received a lower rating of “meets expectations” on one category.
According to county council members interviewed by this newspaper, council discussed the areas they saw needing improvement. But one councilman described Wright’s reaction as “emotionally charged.”
Following her evaluation, Wright verbally told the county’s elected officials that she would be resigning. She submitted her resignation letter in writing the next day.
“Having the opportunity to reflect on my work throughout the past year has reinforced for me what I have valued most about this role: the ability to serve our employees and residents with integrity, professionalism, and respect,” wrote Wright in her letter.
This statement was followed by an even stronger one: “Unfortunately, it has become clear that my vision for leadership and the values 1 hold, particularly around the adherence to the law. ethical governance, and ensuring a workplace built on respect and fairness, are no longer aligned with the vision and priorities of County Council. I cannot, in good conscience, continue to serve in an environment where adherence to federal law and ethical standards are seen as optional.”
The People-Sentinel contacted all seven county council members. All expressed shock and surprise over Wright’s resignation, and particularly over her claims made in her letter. None were able to provide any insight into these claims.
In an interview with The People-Sentinel, Wright said her resignation was not because of her evaluation. Instead, she cited the reasons listed in her letter. While she didn’t provide much insight into those reasons, she explained that “protected HR information” regarding personnel, not involving herself, was part of her concerns.
We certainly understand her reservations about explaining a personnel situation, especially since it does not involve herself. We also applaud her for standing up for what she believes in, particularly when it comes to ethics. However, we do wonder what situations are going on in our county government to cause an administrator with such a positive evaluation to suddenly quit.
If Wright’s claims over the county’s “adherence to federal law and ethical standards” – or potential lack thereof – have any validity, then the people need to know.
While county council members state they do not know anything about Wright’s claims, they should come forward if they actually do. They work for the people who elected them – and those who didn’t.
We hope some light is shed on these questions, either by someone coming forward or by a possible Freedom of Information Act request.
Transparency is a vital – but often missing – component of government.
