The Dayton City Council voted 4-1 on Monday, Nov. 18, to terminate the employment of City Manager Kimberly Judge, who had been on paid administrative leave since Sept. 30. Councilwoman Valorie Barton cast the sole dissenting vote.
Following the vote, the City issued a press release outlining the circumstances surrounding Judge’s administrative leave and termination. According to the statement, Judge filed a complaint alleging race and sex discrimination by the mayor and members of the city council. In response, the City hired an independent third-party law firm to investigate the claims.
“Upon completion of the investigation, it was determined that there is no evidence to support allegations of race, sex, or other unlawful discrimination by the mayor or any city council member against Ms. Judge,” the City’s press release stated.
The investigation was later expanded to address a video of Judge that began circulating online. The video allegedly depicted unprofessional conduct by Judge while attending the Texas Municipal League Conference in Dallas in her capacity as city manager.
Additionally, Judge was accused of insubordination involving requests from elected officials, according to the City’s statement.
“The investigation concluded that Ms. Judge’s conduct as a representative of the City of Dayton violated the City’s policies,” the statement continued. “Based on Ms. Judge’s violation of the City’s policies, the City Council has decided to terminate Ms. Judge’s employment as city manager for the City of Dayton.”
During her administrative leave, Judge reportedly declined multiple offers for a buyout agreement.
Interim city manager appointed
Following Judge’s termination, the council voted 4-1 to have Police Chief and Assistant City Manager Derek Woods continue as interim city manager until a permanent replacement can be hired. Woods will receive a monthly stipend of $1,950 for taking on the additional responsibilities.
The City has not yet announced a timeline for hiring a new city manager.
Wow such ignorance. She’s going to sue the city and win! An obvious example of racism. Bigots will not win this disagreement. Dayton city council should be ashamed. It’s going to cost them too. I guess the only way they will learn is through the courts and wasting tax payer money to fight something they clearly can’t win. I can only guess what’s really going on? She probably was uncovering all the illegal things that are going on or have gone on in the past. Never underestimate a strong black woman! Y’all going to find out the hard way. While working I attending many seminars and conferences for the fortune 500 company I worked for. We always had a good time afterwards, sometimes going out with my boss. This is so ridiculous and stupid it’s unbelievable that people can be so narrow minded and ignorant. Leave it up to the good ole boy system that is going to come to an end sooner or later after they spend tens of thousands of dollars defending something that can’t be defended. I hope she sues Dayton into bankruptcy.
Hang on… was this an issue of racism solely because she isn’t caucasian? It sure seems like any time someone “of color” or a female is terminated that everyone is so quick to cry racism or sexism. It’s really simple no matter your race or sexual orientation is. If you screw up, you’ll probably get fired. Simple as that. If you want to keep your job don’t do dumb crap while representing who you work for.
If she was doing the ole Texas Two Step the city likely would have been fine with it….
To not a racist,what planet are you living on.clearly this had nothing to do with Dayton Business out of town,total sham.you sound like part of the good ole Boys and Girls club.4 council members without a Spine, 1 who didn’t sell out.so be transparent for the public that pay your salary and say who and how the council voted, or you can sweep that under the rug Dayton.
I’m from planet earth. The one where everyone doesn’t get a trophy. The one where you are held accountable for your actions and safe spaces are a creation of the weak. This had nothing to do with race as Sj stated. If you do wrong you should be held accountable.
And you all will be held accountable, with that self righteous attitude. Not a racist,whats that about,conscience?
“Councilwoman Valorie Barton cast the sole dissenting vote.” Which explains who voted “For”. That is transparent.
Great decision city council.
What kind of dancing did she do? LOL!! Dang, seems extreme to me. Is dancing against the law? (Footloose…)
Definitely racism…..I worked for DISD excuse me Chartwell….they hire folks that can’t read are write don’t know how to read servings hell I don’t even know if there legal to be here…GIRL SUE THERE A$$!!!
Wait ….what was the real reason y’all wanted this lovely lady out the door city of Dayton….apparently y’all liked her credentials….Smdh