An outsider could have seen the tension in the packed McCleary City Council meeting on Wednesday night as residents lined the walls and some public comments drew a chorus of venomous responses, while other remarks garnered ringing applause.

The community has been the site of a growing furor as personnel and human resource-related issues around city employees have drawn fire from residents – council meetings, which once drew a crowd of one or two residents, now see dozens.

Conspicuously absent physically or electronically Wednesday night was Mayor Chris Miller, around whom much controversy revolves, and who was reported by mayor pro tem and Councilmember Brycen Huff to have taken ill.

An involved public

“At least one person didn’t have to interview or apply for the position. He was just offered the job,” said resident Monica Reeves during the public comment period. “The mayor said, he did just go to his door and offer him the job.”

Much of the controversy has swirled around Miller’s hiring practices since he took office 16 months ago in January 2022.

“Who is doing our HR? I’d like to know,” Reeves said. “There should probably be someone more than just the mayor doing HR.”

Discussion was raised about the difficulty of replacing the recently-resigned clerk/treasurer, a position that included many human resource functions as the McCleary city government is organized. There were also comments about the city’s social media policy, specifically, who had control over what was being posted.

Some residents argued that the furor should be quashed as expeditiously as possible.

“This whole employee thing that started all this drama should be stopped,” said David Atkins, while claiming he was there to hold specific council members accountable. “No employee should reach out to any other employee in another department or outside of McCleary to get this stopped.”

Atkins drew irate responses from members of the crowd during his comments and left the meeting after his remarks. Other residents argued that more community involvement would help to fix the division in the community.

“I don’t see people showing up to volunteer. You have to be involved to make a change” said Suzannah Winstedt during her comment. “I think our real issue is a social issue. I think we really need to be more engaged.”

Miller’s own involvement in the community was brought up by some speakers.

“I have never met Mr. Miller,” said Missi Olson. “I don’t know how you can be a good community leader if you don’t reach out or even attempt to meet your community.”

Other speakers voiced their thoughts about the root of the division, be it residents or civic leadership.

“The division isn’t really about most of us in this room,” said Carri Comer during her comment. “The division is about the leader.”

Community members thanked the council for bearing through the situation, praising their patience and presence.

Other business was conducted, including discussions about IT work proposed for replacing the city’s outdated IT infrastructure, and confirming three candidates for seats on the salary commission. Discussion was also held on whether to hold future city council meetings in a larger venue to accommodate the increased public interest.

“I chose to raise my children because this is my home. It’s not just a town I live in,” Olson said. “We need good leadership. We need transparency.”

The next city council meeting is scheduled for 10 May.

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.