The confounding status of Alexander County Manager Todd Herms is nearing the end of a second week and in truth, answers to questions are about as rare as sunlight in tomb.
Herms was hired as the county manger in 2024. He came from a record of success as Maiden town manager.
When the Alexander County Board of Commissioners met on April 7th, Herms was not in attendance. He has not been in his office either. 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 last week “ 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 10th 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.
Also on Wednesday, Pennell when asked 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 asked if there was a timeline for the issue to be resolved, Pennell again offered a “no comment.”
The rumbling around the community is getting louder by the hour.
Stealing a line from the film “Apocalypse Now” “It’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma.”