Documents were released last week regarding the request for investigation submitted by Commissioner Rick Robbins near the end of September regarding Leelanau County credit card troubles over the summer.
Commissioner Robbins requested an investigation into allegedly false public statements by Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher concerning whether the county credit card issued to the Undersheriff James Kiessel was timely paid.
The request asks whether the interim administrator’s conduct violated County Personnel Policies or ethical standards or constituted financial mismanagement, according to county lawyer Cohl, Stoker & Toskey Municipal Law.
Unlike the previous complaint for hostile work environment and the complaint pursuant to the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, there is no specific statutory legal process for the Board of Commissioners to follow with regard to the investigation of this complaint. It is within the Board of Commissioners’ discretion to determine how to proceed.
Commissioner Robbins submitted the complaint in his capacity as an elected official, not as an employee, and the personnel policy expressly does not apply to commissioners.
The law firm suggests not to govern this matter. It’s unclear what the commissioners will do, whether request Cypher to be summoned to explain herself.
The Board of Commissioners would have the option to ask questions or seek additional information after hearing/receiving the report. It should be noted that the written report would be subject to FOIA, and any verbal presentation would be required to be given in an open meeting.
