The Paonia Board of Trustees held a meeting on March 10, bringing the hearing over town clerk Barbara Peterson to a close. Peterson was let go for financial reasons, but a state statute requires a formal hearing and charges be brought against her. Last week they held that hearing, with the town manager and Peterson both represented by attorneys. The board of trustees acted as the jury. Trustee and judge in the quasi trial, Charles Stuart, outlined the main charge against Peterson during the continuation of that hearing on Tuesday.
"Ms. Peterson claims that the town agreed to pay for her tuition, books, food, cigarettes, power drinks, gas, parking, highway tolls, rent, tires, and taxes," said Stuart. "However, Ms. Peterson admits there was no written agreement between her and the town. Ms. Peterson claims the agreement with the town was approved at a meeting of the Board of Trustees. However, no minutes were produced by Ms. Peterson showing that the alleged agreement was approved by the board of trustees."
After further summary of last weeks hearing, the board, which doesn’t include the mayor, held a majority vote. Amber Klienman abstained because she was not at last week's hearing, and Erik Gould was the lone dissenting vote.
"Pursuant to CRS 31.4.307, the town has determined that there is good and just cause to remove Ms. Peterson as Town Clerk. Ms. Peterson is hereby removed as Town Clerk effective immediately," said Stuart.
Peterson is officially no longer the town clerk. She notified the town of her intent to sue last month.