Today, Independent Hearing Officer Michael J. Marks issued his decision on the post termination appeal of Gwendolyn Hallsmith concerning the termination of her employment by the City of Montpelier. In this decision, Mr. Marks denied Ms. Hallsmith’s appeal and found that the City had justifiable cause to terminate Ms. Hallsmith. As part of her appeal, Ms. Hallsmith asserted that she was terminated in retaliation for speaking out about public banking. The Hearing Officer found that Ms. Hallsmith’s speech relating to public banking did not play any role in her termination. Rather, the Hearing Officer found that Ms. Hallsmith, by her actions, violated numerous policies set forth in the City’s Personnel Plan and therefore the City Manager had justifiable cause for her termination.
The Hearing Officer’s decision was rendered after two full days of hearings and consideration of lengthy and detailed written submissions by the City and Ms. Hallsmith. The hearings relating to Ms. Hallsmith’s appeal were open to the public at her request.
The City appreciates the Hearing Officer’s thoughtful decision and now considers this matter to be concluded.