Council member alleges poor leadership , failure to secure contracts

By Chad Blackshear

Journal Staff

The employment status of City Manager Dion Miller was the main topic during the Commerce City Council’s regular meeting which lasted approximately three hours Tuesday night.

The council conducted a public hearing regarding the continued employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of Miller at the request of Council Member Tony Henry. No action was taken regarding the matter.

Henry sent a letter to Miller dated Sept. 4, in which he alleged Miller had failed to: Secure a water contract with Texas A&M; University-Commerce, execute his duties as finance director for the city, procure contracts as a whole in a timely manner, stay within budget on some line items and provide leadership. Henry also alleged that Miller had violated the city’s charter.

“The reason I wrote this letter is because I have questions,” said Henry. Miller responded by saying he understood Henry’s position as an elected official and said he had no hard feelings regarding the letter.

Several members of the community spoke in support of Miller’s continued employment with the city, citing his honesty, integrity and qualifications. Several citizens voiced their opinion that the issues brought forth by Henry were minor and could be easily remedied.

“Since he has been here, I feel he has done a good job. Sometimes it is difficult for everyone to get on the same page,” said Richard Huie, director of public utilities, adding that often times contracts slowed and things don’t do not always go as planned. “If we all work together, we can do a lot of good for the City of Commerce.”

Following comments from the public, Miller addressed each allegation from the letter, providing documentation to the city council discharging each allegation.

Despite the documentation Miller provided to the council, Council Member Billie Biggerstaff expressed her disappointment with the situation.

“I don’t have any trust left in you,” said Biggerstaff. “My problem now is with the health department contract and the water contract, how many other things have been set aside. I also find it hard to believe that you are going to stay within budget this upcoming year.”

“For any mistakes I have made in your mind I sincerely apologize,” said Miller, expressing a desire to continue his employment with the city. “My goal is to create a city that doesn’t just survive but thrives.”

The council was also slated to approve the budget and tax rates for the 2009-10 fiscal year. However a motion to approve the budget was defeated in a 3-2 vote, with Council Member Bob Monday and Mayor Quay Throgmorton voting to approve the budget and council members Richard Hill, Billie Biggerstaff and Tony Henry against the approval of the budget.

The 2009-10 budget must be approved by Sept. 29.

The council will have to conduct a special called meeting to approve the budget and tax rates.