Gilchrist County animal control officer resigns suddenly

By John M. Ayers

A full-time animal control officer with Gilchrist County Animal Control resigned Thursday, Jan. 25, saying she felt she was not appreciated and was not paid what she should have been.
Karen Fischer addressed the board of county commissioners during the Monday, Feb. 1, meeting to ask for her sick leave and vacation pay that she had not received when she resigned.
She told the board she objected to the county’s policy requiring a two-week notice prior to the leaving of a county employee. She also told the commission she did not give a two-week notice due to what happened involving a TV 20 report of a Gilchrist County resident’s home involving animals.
She explained the incident to the board and made reference to Ron McQueen, Gilchrist County administrator, saying he threw her out and left her without any support involving the incident.
Fischer told the board that the part-time animal control officer Chuck McRae had been communicating with the Gilchrist County resident involving this particular animal services issue.
“There is a lot of work that I have done that I never received any compensation for,” Fischer said.
She went on to say that she worked when she was called out, sometimes after a doctor had advised her not to work due to her high blood pressure.
“When I got a call I went to work because I knew it was my job,” she explained to the commission.
McQueen told the commission that Fischer did not make a visit to the residence where the animal incident near Bell occurred recently. The county administrator also explained that Fischer has taken some vacation time during her employment with Gilchrist County Animal Services. McQueen said she has 48 hours of vacation and 128 hours of sick time left on the county records.
“McQueen has just told a lie, which is nothing new,” Fischer said, in response.
John McPherson, Gilchrist County attorney, interrupted the commission, “This discussion needs to stop right here.”
The attorney explained to the board that since there had been some mention of allegations of labor law violation, the discussion need go no further in the Monday afternoon meeting.
“I am glad I resigned last Monday; Mr. McQueen only cares about himself,” Fischer stated.
Commissioner Sharon Langford said she was in favor of giving Fischer the sick leave and vacation time that she has left on the books with Gilchrist County.
The board decided to refer this incident to their attorney to review the matter and make a recommendation back to the board in the February 15 meeting.
Fischer asked the board why she should have to wait a month to receive her last check from Gilchrist County. She also told the commissioners that she has her information; and if she does not agree with the outcome from Gilchrist County, she was prepared to seek an attorney to represent her.
McPherson told the board that this incident involving a former employee would be investigated and a recommendation will be made to Gilchrist County before the February 15 meeting.