GREENSBORO, N.C. — Overnight the drama around the Greensboro city manager's resignation deepened. One of the city council members now says the city put out a false statement about what happened. Councilman Zack Matheny is calling for a full investigation into "how the statement would be released without council approval."
This all started on Tuesday when City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba abruptly resigned after weeks of talks over police being called to his house in December for a domestic issue. It's unclear what happened at his house and no charges were ever filed. But on Wednesday, Mayor Nancy Vaughan told us he had not resigned because of the police investigation. Instead, she said he violated an internal city policy that other people have been fired for in the past. She said she couldn't say what policy or reveal more because it was a personnel issue. Then, Thursday, the City's Communications Manager put out a statement about what the Mayor had said.
Here is that statement:
The city did not initiate an investigation into any purported violation of personnel policy by the City Manager. Consequently, without an investigation, no determination can be established regarding any alleged breaches of personnel policy. Furthermore, the City of Greensboro is bound by strict protocols and state statutes regarding personnel privacy. As such, the City is legally unauthorized to disclose details surrounding the resignation of the City Manager or provide verification on the circumstances prompting his departure. The City of Greensboro remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability in all aspects of its operations.
Councilman Zack Matheny posted to Facebook overnight about the city's statement. He writes:
Folks, I have been around city government for about 20 years, I've never encountered what the city of City of Greensboro is going through currently, but the statement put out by the city regarding the city manager's resignation is simply false. I promise to find out why and how such a statement would be released without council approval, and I have requested a full investigation so that transparency exist. Truthfully, this is not what I wanted, however, now, it is necessary for public trust. Greensboro has too much momentum to let one person or two, bring our community to a halt.
Matheny explains that if the city is going to release a statement like this, than the people should know the truth surrounding this case saying, "the city screwed this up."
Matheny said, "why are we making this more public, and difficult than it needs to be. This was a personal decision. There was obviously something that was inappropriate. The manager chose to resign. We let him resign. We didn’t do a formal investigation, which now I think there’s no question, the city has to do a formal investigation.”
Matheny said the reason there wasn't an investigation was because all the facts were laid out surrounding this situation.
But, due to the statement released by the city Thursday, Matheny said it's now time to show the public what the truth is.
We reached out to other council members for a comment.
Mayor Vaughan said, "the city council is limited by law on what it can disclose. While there was no investigation, based on confidential information that we received, it is my opinion that there was a violation of personnel policy."
Councilwoman Sharon Hightower referred us to a statement she gave another news outlet, "I'm not talking to you. I have no comment. Have a good day."