LawCo to file ethics complaint

March 12--MOULTON -- Lawrence County commissioners agreed during a meeting Tuesday to file a formal complaint with the state Ethics Commission against Tricia Galbreath.

Lawrence County Commission attorney Dave Martin said he will file a complaint that contends Galbreath inappropriately paid $9,000 in unauthorized checks to her company, Galbreath & Associates, while serving as the county's interim administrator.

Though county commissioners said Galbreath had agreed to repay the money, Galbreath attorney R. Willson Jenkins of Florence last week disputed the arrangement and said Galbreath does not owe the county any money.

Martin said Galbreath may be in violation of state law that rules against using an official position for personal gain.

Galbreath was previously reported to the state ethics commission by commission legal representative Jamie Kidd, but the county was asked to file a formal complaint. Kidd represents the county through the Association of County Commissions of Alabama Liability Self-Insurance.

"The ethics commission needs a complaint," Martin said.

Galbreath was reported to several state agencies after her contract was terminated by commissioners in January.

After an investigation, Martin reported the results of his probe to the Lawrence County district attorney, office of Examiners of Public Accounts, Lawrence County Sheriff's Department and Alabama Bureau of Investigation.

Commission Chairman Mose Jones said commissioners believe this is the next step toward recouping money paid to Galbreath's company.

"That's the step we had to take, to see if the Ethics Commission comes up with something," he said.

Jones said that the commission may have to resort to legal action to regain the money.

"She says she doesn't owe the commission money," Jones said. "We're going to wait and see how this resolution pans out."

Martin alleges Galbreath owes the county $5,040.20, the difference between $9,000 Galbreath allegedly authorized and money owed for unpaid work and expenses.

Martin said Monday that a settlement agreement between the county and Galbreath was negotiated in good faith and with help from Galbreath. Galbreath instead backed out and is asking the county to pay her $12,709, her pay through Feb. 20, 30 days after she gave notice to terminate the contract.

The settlement agreement severed legal ties between Galbreath and the commission, forgoing the indemnification clause in her employment contract.

Galbreath's employment contract with the county specified it was subject to a 30-day notice by either party.

The county hired Galbreath's company after terminating former Administrator Peggy King in January 2013. The contract with Galbreath and Associates paid $7,500 per month. Galbreath submitted her notice of termination on Jan. 21.

Commissioners voted to terminate Galbreath on Jan. 23 after Martin said the three checks written to her company were unauthorized.

Meredith Qualls can be reached at 256-340-2442 or [email protected]. Follow on Twitter @DailyMeredith.

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