By Stephanie Nelson

The Brewton Standard

The Escambia County Commission Monday upheld the March termination of the county transit authority director Valeria Osby.

Osby, who was represented at an appeal hearing Monday, appealed the termination made by county administrator Tony Sanks on March 25. Commissioners met for a more than two-hour executive session before making their public vote. Commissioner David Stokes made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner David Quarker. Commissioner Larry White voted against upholding the termination.

When questioned about the basis of the termination, Sanks said, “This is a sensitive personnel matter, so we can’t discuss the particulars; however, I can say the complaints received stemmed from personnel issues within the (ECATS) department and there were no allegations of embezzlement.”

In 1995, ECATS began providing low-cost transportation services using four vans. Since then, its fleet has grown to 11 vans – seven of which are currently operational with drivers. In addition to drivers, the department operates with two office personnel.

Sanks said there are plans to fill the vacant director position in the future; however, employees are currently reporting to him on a daily basis.

In other business, the commission:

• entered into an agreement with the Atmore Fire Department to install a repeater on the antenna of the county’s satellite office; and,

• to invest $400,000 of oil and gas trust funds into an eight-year bond at 2.91 percent interest.