FERRIS – A CITY IN CRISIS

The city of Ferris is in crisis.

In the past few weeks, the mayor and interim city manager have both resigned.

The city is also searching for a new economic development director and a new city manager.

The public safety director has requested a severance package.

In addition, the city has had to settle two EEOC lawsuits. The first, $15,000 to a former finance director and the second, $35,000 to a former animal control officer.

According to sources, more are pending.

Legal action against the city stems from former City Manager Bill Jordan’s actions.

Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Scott called Monday night’s special called city council meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Consent agenda items included the meeting minutes of Sept. 16 and the approval of Resolution No. R-19-269, which regarded a financing agreement for the purchase of a new fire truck and related equipment. After Dallas Dial, Ellis County Fire District #5, spoke concerning maintenance issues with older trucks, the consent items were passed 5-0.

The public comment section consisted of several speakers who spoke about their favorable personal experiences with Public Safety Director Eddie Salazar.

Then the council adjourned into executive session at 7 p.m. to discuss the employment status of Court Supervisor Misty MacDonald, the settlement offer letter from Public Safety Director Eddie Salazar, the settlement agreement between C. (Chelcee Moore) and the city of Ferris, seven water bill adjustments, and an update on the Ferris city manager interview process and final grading of candidates.

The council reconvened into open session at 9:05 p.m., and took no action on the executive session items.

Under new business, the council voted to accept the resignation of former Mayor James Swafford, decided not to appoint an interim city manager, set aside Saturday, Sept. 28 for formal interviews with the five chosen city manager candidates, approved unanimously a “step plan” to help establish competitive salaries for Ferris fire personnel to improve retention, and also unanimously approved the creation of a position for a part-time fire marshal.

The council then discussed needed final tweaks to Ordinance No. 0-19-900 – the proposed 2019-2020 City of Ferris Budget – and since they couldn’t approve the budget as presented, tabled Ordinance No. 01-19-901, levying ad valorem property tax rate for the fiscal year 2019-2020.

Then, Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Scott announced the reinstatement of Court Supervisor Misty MacDonald with a new title – Court Director – and council approved a contract (5-0) to engage Jeremy Leonard as a Ferris Municipal Court consultant.

Sources state that in a letter submitted to former Mayor James Swafford days before his resignation, the Texas Municipal League, after their review of an internal complaint and investigation concerning MacDonald, ruled they found only policy and procedure issues that required additional training.

TML found absolutely no criminal activity concerning MacDonald, and no grounds whatsoever to fire her.

And certainly, no grounds to put her on the flagrant administrative leave she has been on – now totaling six weeks.

Please see story update: https://www.elliscountypress.com/news/updated-sept-26-2019-ferris-mayor-jim-swafford-resigns-wednesday-afternoon-sept-18-effective 

Finally, council approved additional funds to finalize the purchase of a public works truck, then adjourned at 9:51 p.m.