The Truth about Employee and Board Member Turnover

A former councilman has alleged that the city manager has created a toxic work environment. This allegation is false. Here are the facts:

• The mayor has successfully advocated for increased first responder pay and reduced benefit costs. The mayor was endorsed a second time by the Dickinson Police Officers Association in recognition of these accomplishments. (LINK)
• Employees have left the city for a variety of reasons. A list of “125 employees” that no longer work for the city is cited as evidence of a toxic workplace. In reality, it includes many employees that left amicably in retirement or to see out new opportunities. This list also includes employees that passed away while working for the city.
• Prior to the city manager’s arrival, it had been years since the city had subjected employees to standard random drug screenings. The reinstitution of this practice resulted in some employees separating from the city.
• The city manager has worked to bring a culture of accountability and public service to staff. For instance, complaints about some employees drinking while on the job were investigated and found to be valid. This resulted in terminations. Resident complaints about a code enforcement officer were investigated and found to be valid. These allegations were so serious that the state of Texas opened an administrative hearing into this matter. (LINK)
• Local business owners reported to city investigators that the chairman of a city board abused his position to compel a political campaign donation. This board member was subsequently removed over this and other issues. (LINK) (LINK)
• Local developers and city employees alerted the mayor to unethical behavior and conflict of interests on the part of Economic Development Corporation member Joe Wilburn. Once exposed, Mr. Wilburn recused himself from votes concerning the development and was later removed from the EDC by council. (LINK) (LINK)

Accountability is not retaliation. People deserve a city with ethical employees and board members that work for the community. The fact is that some of those dividing our community and driving this recall are afraid of a culture of accountability.

The truth is that the people driving this recall effort, that say they “support the staff,” are in fact negatively affecting employee morale and wasting the time of your employees:

• Mr. Dolcefino and one citizen have filed nearly 100 Public Information Requests. These requests take substantial time to process by staff and undergo legal review. This wastes valuable employee time and taxpayer funds in money paid to attorneys.
• City employees have been berated by hostile members of the community. They have been told to “get off their ass” and process records requests and have been smeared in videos and subjected to frivolous criminal complaints in videos.
• Frustration over treatment of staff led them to create this video.