Long-time Demorest City Manager Juanita Crumley has been demoted to the position of city clerk on the heels of an investigation into more than $580,000 in missing funds.
In a called meeting Wednesday night, the City Council passed two unanimous motions. The first was to break apart the position held by Juanita Crumley into three positions: City Manager, City Treasurer and City Clerk. The second motion was to demote Juanita Crumley to the position of City Clerk “at a salary to be determined appropriate for that position.” The Council has appointed Rhonda Andrews as the assistant Treasurer.
The decision to make the changes came as a direct result of the lastest report in the ongoing investigation into the missing money. The latest report details problems in the management practices in the Manager’s office. Ms. Crumley has been with the City for 39 years. The search for a City Manager will begin immediately. As for the impact on the City Budget, there will be immediate savings in the reduction of Crumley’ssalary, the longer term effect will be more evident as the salary for all three positions is determined.
Demorest Mayor, Rick Austin, remarked, “this council is deeply committed to moving the City forward and making the necessary changes in operations. I firmly belive that the City is in a better position today than it was a year ago.”
Click here to read the investigative report on missing Demorest funds.
