“Members of the Town Board placed a fired Highway Department worker on paid leave this week and hired a private attorney to conduct a probe into a disciplinary matter preceding his termination.
The board passed a resolution that “stays all disciplinary action” against highway worker Henry Kingsland, “including but not limited to his termination from employment.” The board also hired a law firm, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna of Albany, to conduct a probe “into an employee disciplinary matter,” according to the unanimously approved resolution.
Highway Superintendent Steve Perog declined to comment on the matter Wednesday, citing the confidentiality of personnel issues. However, he did question the move to put Kingsland on paid leave and whether his salary would come out of the town budget or highway fund.
“I’d love to hire another man, but I don’t have the money in my budget,” he said.
Kingsland, who was terminated by the town last week, will be placed on paid leave, according to a resolution passed by the board. The town’s four highway department workers earn a base pay of about $47,000 with full benefits, according to Perog.”
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Mason, Justin. Schenectady Gazette 25 February 2010.