Stebbins appeal to be decided by Aug. 15
An appeal of the dismissal of former Jackson County animal control officer Rhonda Stebbins should be decided by Aug. 15, according to the hearing officer in the case. Stebbins was fired earlier this year by county manager Darrell Hampton after complaints about her conduct on the job.
A continuation of the personnel appeal hearing for Stebbins was held Aug. 5 before Emily Bagwell, personnel hearing officer for Jackson County. Six people testified on behalf of Stebbins at the hearing.
Several of the questions asked by Stebbins’ attorney, Brian Webb, and the county’s lawyer, Tom Calkins, dealt with how Stebbins conducted herself on the job.
Both attorneys asked witnesses if they had ever heard Stebbins cursing during the course of her job. All of the witnesses said they had not.
Tiffany Butler, the former employee of L & D Farms Kennel who reported the situation that led to action to shut down the facility, said she had talked with code compliance officer Eugene Brogan about the case.
“He didn’t take down any information, Rhonda did all the work,” Butler said.
Tracy Fleming, owner of Doggie Style’N in Jefferson, said “Rhonda deserves a pat on the back for her work on the L & D Farms Kennel case.”
Calkins asked witness Melanie Hughston, a volunteer with PAWS Rescue, “Do you feel that it is O.K. to curse your boss, co-workers and the general public?”
Hughston replied, “Everyone’s buttons get pushed at some time, and honestly, yes, sometimes.”
Hughston said she retired after 25 years with the Federal Prison System and she knew about situations where a person could be pushed to their limit. She said Brogan had been arrogant and rude to her in the animal control office. However, she did not complain to the county manager.
Several of the questions asked by Stebbins’ attorney, Brian Webb, and the county’s lawyer, Tom Calkins, dealt with how Stebbins conducted herself on the job.
Both attorneys asked witnesses if they had ever heard Stebbins cursing during the course of her job. All of the witnesses said they had not.
Tiffany Butler, the former employee of L & D Farms Kennel who reported the situation that led to action to shut down the facility, said she had talked with code compliance officer Eugene Brogan about the case.
“He didn’t take down any information, Rhonda did all the work,” Butler said.
Tracy Fleming, owner of Doggie Style’N in Jefferson, said “Rhonda deserves a pat on the back for her work on the L & D Farms Kennel case.”
Calkins asked witness Melanie Hughston, a volunteer with PAWS Rescue, “Do you feel that it is O.K. to curse your boss, co-workers and the general public?”
Hughston replied, “Everyone’s buttons get pushed at some time, and honestly, yes, sometimes.”
Hughston said she retired after 25 years with the Federal Prison System and she knew about situations where a person could be pushed to their limit. She said Brogan had been arrogant and rude to her in the animal control office. However, she did not complain to the county manager.
Defined tags for this entry: BOC, Jackson County
Hughston replied, “Everyone’s buttons get pushed at some time, and honestly, yes, sometimes" I guess thats what happens when you work around animals all day you have no respect for people only animals. OK to cuss at your boss? I would be fired that minute I said a foul word to boss man. But I guess working for the government its ok? I dont think soooo. Her Butt should of been fired long time ago with some on the things I know about her and no its not gossip I was a witness to some of these things she has done.