Highland County Board of Supervisors Accept Long-time County Administrator’s Resignitation at January 17th Meeting
The Highland County Board of Supervisors met on January 17, 2024. At the end of the meeting, the board convened in closed session to discuss personnel matters under exemption 2.2-3711 (A) (1) of the Code of Virginia.
During this time, the Highland County Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted the resignation of county administrator Roberta Lambert and approved a new contract for county attorney Melissa Dowd.
Roberta Lambert’s resignation is effective immediately, but there are still a few issues that the board is working through. In her letter of resignation, Lambert requested the ability to purchase her county cell phone and Ipad, and also asked for payment for accrued sick and vacation leave. The board granted the purchase of the cell phone and Ipad, with Lambert paying whatever price that Verizon suggests as fair.
The board took no action on the request for accrued sick leave and vacation time payment.
Lambert’s resignation stemmed from the Jan. 2 Highland County Board of Supervisors meeting, where chair Henry Budzinski explained the county was conducting an investigation into misappropriation of county funds. At this meeting the board voted to enter into a contract with CPA consulting firm Robinson, Farmer, and Cox to conduct a civil fraud audit for the county credit card for the last three years.
During this time, Lambert was placed on paid administrative leave.
When contacted by phone, chair Budzinski said that no decision on hiring a county administrator has been made, nor is the position being advertised. As executive assistant to the county administrator, Jerri Botkin has encompassed some of the role to keep the county moving as it might be a while before a re-hiring process for this position commences.
During the meeting Budzinski commended both Botkin and the entire county staff for their support during this time
“Right now, as most of you are aware, we have an employee situation with the county,” said Budzinski. “I just want to thank Jerri (Botkin) for standing up. She’s doing an outstanding job in the position. And also I want to thank everybody who works in the courthouse because everyone is working very well together to get us through this difficult time.”
You can view Lambert’s full resignation letter below.
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