Mayo Resigns
“I am not the city administrator for this town. I am pro-growth and economic development.” — Sergio Mayo. Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News CALVERT — The Calvert City Council met Monday night in a packed session that included the swearing-in of newly elected aldermen, discussion of upcoming city events and the resignation announcement of City Manager Sergio Moya. Moya formally resigned his position during the meeting, citing differences in vision for the future of the city. During his address to the council and audience, Moya described himself as a pro-growth and pro-economic development leader focused on improving quality of life and standard of living within the community. Moya stated that his contract required a 30-day notice and indicated that July 10 would likely serve as his final day with the city. He also warned the council that finding a replacement city administrator could take four to five months and suggested the city consider hiring an executive search firm to assist with the process. During his remarks, Moya acknowledged that he originally planned to discuss the resignation during executive session but instead chose to address the issue publicly before the crowded council chambers. “I’m not the type of City Administrator for the town. I’m about moving forward, the quality of life and the standard of living. You have spoken, I’m not the City Administrator for you,” said Moya. “The city does not run by itself. I don’t want to die here.” Moya’s resignation comes during a period of significant turnover within Calvert city government. In recent weeks, the city has seen multiple resignations and terminations involving key positions, including two alderman seats, the city secretary, the city accountant and now the city manager, all during the early months of newly elected Mayor James Evans’ administration. Before the swearing-in ceremony, the council discussed the purchase of a new utility truck that is currently being retrofitted by Wedgworth’s Ironworks. The vehicle was purchased at a discounted cost of $15,100, coming in under the city’s projected budget. Once the upgrades are complete, the truck will be placed into service within the City of Calvert utility fleet. City officials noted the truck is expected to improve the city’s ability to collect, chip and properly dispose of tree limbs and brush, an issue that has remained a lingering concern for residents and utility crews. The council also heard the monthly report from the Calvert Police Department during the meeting. Following the business items, newly elected council members were officially sworn into office. Karen Blackwell took the oath for Place 1, Glenn Van Dyke was sworn in for Place 3 and Diana Grimes was re-elected and sworn in again for Place 5. Each signed their oath of office and formally pledged their commitment to serving the City of Calvert. Council members later discussed the possible return of the Pikes Trail Ride Memorial event scheduled for June 27 at Payne Camp and Rube Foster parks in Calvert. The trail ride event, previously organized by Jamison “Mert” Williams, had created controversy in the prior year after numerous after-party gatherings spread throughout portions of Calvert along Texas Avenue and into neighboring Hearne near the Love’s Travel Stop.
Franklin Council Suspends Police Chief Amid State Investigation from TCOLE
Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News FRANKLIN — Franklin city leaders voted Monday night to place Police Chief Terry Thibodeaux and Lt. John Key on paid administrative leave as the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement continues an active investigation involving the Franklin Police Department. The action came following a closed executive session during a specially focused city council meeting at Franklin City Hall. In a 5-1 vote, council members approved the motion brought forward by Alderman Raymond Hawkins to suspend both Thibodeaux and Key effective immediately. Councilman Brian Taylor abstained from the vote. The decision followed an executive session that lasted more than an hour as city leaders discussed the future of the department and allegations tied to licensing and officer certification records. Mayor Molly Hedrick opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m., first administering the oath of office to newly appointed Alderman Hope Zeig, who replaces former Alderman Kelly Ellison. The council then entered executive session at 5:31 p.m. to discuss police department matters. The council reconvened in open session at 6:51 p.m., where the suspension motion was introduced and approved. The Franklin Police Department has recently come under scrutiny after reports surfaced that TCOLE is investigating allegations involving falsified records connected to officer licensing standards. According to information tied to the investigation, Thibodeaux is accused of falsifying documents and forging signatures on medical records related to officers within the department. TCOLE has reportedly indicated the investigation centers on procedures involving required medical and psychological evaluations used in officer licensing and certification compliance. Under Texas law, officers must complete specific medical and psychological evaluations to meet state licensing standards overseen by TCOLE. Those records are considered part of the official certification process required for peace officers in Texas. While no formal disciplinary order, license suspension or revocation action has been publicly posted by TCOLE against Thibodeaux, the agency has confirmed the investigation remains active. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement serves as the state agency responsible for regulating peace officer licensing, training and compliance standards throughout Texas. The investigation has also prompted outside legal oversight. Robertson County District Attorney Coty Siegert recused himself from matters involving the case, and Brazos County Attorney Earl Gray of Brazos County was appointed to serve as a temporary outside prosecutor connected to the investigation. However the newspaper has learned that Gray has alos recussed himself and a special prosecutor will be assigned from Burleson County. The city council had previously discussed matters involving the police department during executive session at an earlier meeting before Monday night’s formal action. City officials have not announced who will oversee day-to-day police department operations during the administrative leave period. The Franklin City Council is scheduled to meet again Monday, May 18, at Franklin City Hall. Lt. John Key is expected to address council members during that meeting as the investigation and administrative review continue.
