WC road supervisor on administrative leave

CHIPLEY — A Washington County road supervisor has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation, according to County Manager Emory Pitts.

Pitts said that he placed West Side Supervisor Robert Harcus on leave with pay Tuesday while investigation is underway into violation of county policy, specifically the operational policy of the Public Works department.

Pitts said he could not comment on specific details of the investigation but that it involved use of county material, labor, equipment and other items.

Pitts said that his office has been looking into reports from county employees and private citizens for several weeks.

Controversy arose at the last regular meeting of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners when Commissioner Charles Brock told the BOCC that he had not given Harcus permission to do road work on what may be a private road in another commissioner’s district. Pitts said, however, that he began looking into reports well before the BOCC meeting.

East Side Supervisor Dallas Carter has been transferred to the west side and Trampus Russell is temporary east side supervisor, Pitts said.