WEST OLIVE, Mich. — The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners have voted to fire County Administrator John Gibbs.
Thursday night, commissioners voted ten-to-one on a motion to "terminate Mr. Gibbs' contract for cause because the board has determined that Mr. Gibbs, in connection with the performance of his duties under the employment agreement, has been dishonest, committed gross misconduct and/or committed willful malfeasance."
Commissioners also discussed pursuing mediation with Gibbs, but didn't vote on it.
Chairperson Joe Moss did tell FOX 17 that "I wish him the best."
This decision comes after Gibbs was placed on paid administrative leave last week.
Moss did release a letter that was sent to Gibbs' attorney, laying out allegations against him. Gibbs is accused of making threats and lewd comments towards commissioners and overruling board decisions, among other things.
But Gibbs' attorney Noah Hurwitz has said many of these allegations are false. In a prior letter, Hurwitz claimed these efforts started after Gibbs raised concerns about the county's corporate counsel, Kallman Legal Group.
County leaders are now looking for who is going to lead the county.
"Take the next few days or next week and have some discussions on this. Come back possibly next week, if not next Tuesday, then definitely the following," Moss said during the meeting.
It's unclear if Deputy Administrator Ben Wetmore stepped into that role this past week.
