FAYETTEVILLE — A Washington County employee and former county clerk candidate filed a grievance Friday to appeal her firing.
Ann Upton, a former information technology help desk technician, hired a lawyer this week before beginning a grievance procedure through the Human Resources Department, she said.
“I don't know where we're going,” Upton said. “I just don't want to be fired.”
By filing the grievance, Upton is considered suspended with pay for up to 14 days unless more time is needed for a hearing, said George Butler, county attorney.
John Adams, her supervisor, fired Upton Tuesday, the day she returned from a five-month, unpaid leave of absence to campaign. Upton, a Democrat, lost to Republican Becky Lewallen for county clerk in the Nov. 6 election.
Adams cited a violation of trust and confidentiality in her termination report, according to her personnel file.
Both Upton and Adams said a phone call involving an arrested co-worker led to her termination.
Adams claimed Upton, while on political leave, asked for public circuit court records about the employee from another colleague.
Upton denies the allegation. Upton completed 13 years working at the county Nov. 9. Her personnel files include multiple certificates of education, positive performance evaluations, a June 15 reprimand from Adams and her termination report.
The matter will go before the Quorum Court’s Personnel Committee, Butler said.
“(Human resources) will be contacting everyone involved to see when they can all meet,” Butler said. “If her attorney needs time to prepare then we give a reasonable amount of time for that.”
The committee will conduct a hearing, much like a trial including sworn statements, witnesses, opening and closing statements, according to the county’s employee handbook. Once completed, the committee will give an opinion on whether County Judge Marilyn Edwards and Adams should keep Upton.