Blevins ordered to reinstate employees

Sebastian County Judge David Hudson signed and filed a four-page order on Thursday (Dec. 8) requiring Sebastian County Circuit Clerk Ken Blevins to reinstate two employees he recently fired.

Tyanna Caldwell and Cassie Vega were fired by Blevins on Nov. 16.

A grievance committee ruled Wednesday (Dec. 7) that Caldwell and Vega had met the three burdens of proof to being fired without cause, while Blevins had not met any of the three burdens in firing them.

During the grievance committee hearing, Circuit Court Judges Michael Fitzhugh, James Cox and Prosecuting Attorney Dan Shue praised the work of the criminal circuit court office while Caldwell and Vega had worked there. They described it as a “well oiled machine” that began to break down once Caldwell and Vega were removed. They also agreed that Blevins had not inquired about Caldwell’s or Vega’s work performance before the firings.

According to Hudson’s order, Blevins was informed he had to reinstate Caldwell and Vega, but has rejected the order.

The order notes that “Circuit Clerk Ken Blevins has informed the Office of County Judge that he is not willing to voluntarily conform his conduct to the decision of the County Grievance Committee and, in fact, has requested that the Human Resources Department of the County post the positions currently held by the claimants as ‘open’ positions so that the Circuit Clerk can proceed to fill those budgeted positions with other persons of his choice.”

Hudson concludes that Blevins response is unsatisfactory, and that the County Judge’s office “will not presently honor any request by the Circuit Clerk for use of appropriated county funds” to pay for employment of “any other persons” in the positions technically held by Caldwell and Vega.

Hudson also noted in the order that if Blevins appeals the grievance hearing, Caldwell and Vega will be allowed to “perform their normal and important deputy circuit clerk duties” until and unless the grievance ruling is reversed.

The City Wire made several attempts Thursday to contact Blevins.