Nathan Prewett
Clay, Ala. — The termination of a former Clay city employee has been upheld by the city council during a special-called meeting on Thursday.
Former building inspector Hunter Merola was officially fired following a regular meeting on Tuesday night in which the initial vote failed to pass due to a split and several abstentions. As Councilor Orletta Rush was absent it was determined that a special-called meeting would be held with her in attendance.
Merola was initially fired several months prior and was reinstated before being fired again over disputes regarding a city vehicle and paperwork.
During the brief meeting on Thursday Councilors Jody Harris, Carla Youngblood, Nathan Thompson and Mayor Jane Anderton retained their original decisions while Councilors Chris Nail changed his to a yes vote and Rush also voted in favor of the termination, which was effective June 3.
“It’s been quite a distraction, and I’m ready to move forward and move on with the city’s business. We’ve got a lot to do,” Anderton commented.
Meetings take place every second and fourth Tuesday at Clay City Hall located at 2441 Old Springville Road. Pre-council begins at 6 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are recorded for the city’s YouTube channel.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.
