Outside party to investigate allegations against dept. heads

FERRIS – The Ferris City Council met Thursday, March 15 in executive session to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee.

Three city employees were on the agenda including City Manager Bill Jordan, Finance Director Melissa Gonzales and Economic Development Director Sean Overeynder.

The council went into executive session without calling any of the employees. The council then adjourned and called for a third party to investigate allegations against the three.

Gonzales and Overeynder were not aware of any allegations made against them.

Sources said allegations against Jordan were in the form of 11 complaints.

The complaints were filed with the City Attorney, the District Attorney and Texas Rangers.

Sources said when Jordan was confronted with the complaints he submitted his resignation. Mayor Micheal Driggars, reportedly refused his resignation and reinstated Jordan.

Jordan said he was aware of the nature of the allegations, but could not comment because they were under investigation.

The Ellis County Press is submitting an Open Records Request to obtain copies of the complaints.