The ongoing mystery surrounding of Alexander County Manager Todd Herms has reached another stage. This morning the following statement was issued by County Public Information Director Gary Herman:
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners Chairman Marty Pennell announced that County Manager Todd Herms has resigned, effective April 30. (end statement)
William “Todd” Herms
When the Alexander County Board of Commissioners met on April 7th, Herms was not in attendance. He has not been seen in his office either. As then reported, County Public Information Director Gary Herman when contacted on April 8th said he had been instructed to direct all inquiries to the County Manager Ben Faulkenberry. Falukenberry said in a conversation on April 8th “ I cannot provide comment on a confidential personnel issue pursuant to law.” When asked if Herms was still employed by the county, Faulkenberry said again he “could not comment.” County Commissioner Larry Yoder also declined to comment on the mysterious circumstances.
It was a day later on April 9th that County Commission Chairman Marty Pennell said Herms was “on leave” but he refused offer any details including if Herms was still county manager.
On Wednesday, April 16th, attorney Faulkenberry said he “still can’t comment on the matter.”
Commission Chair Pennell when asked on the 16th, who is handling day-to-day duties that would normally fall to the county manager? he replied “The department heads are doing their jobs and if something needs to go up the chain, it would go to Ben” referring to Faulkenberry.
When reached this morning, Public Information Director Herman said he can’t offer any other details.
Update: 10:45am
Herms was contacted by phone this morning. He declined to comment other than to say “I have submitted my resignation and wish the people of Alexander County the very best.”
Herms refused to answer questions.
Alexander County Commission Chairman Marty Pennell in a phone conversation this morning stated “We have enacted procedures per our county policy, some matters we just can’t comment on by law.”
Pennell said he “anticipates no further action with regards to the issue before our next commissioners meeting. I like to do things by the book and can’t comment further.”