Strider No Longer Robbins Finance Director

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Robbins is looking for a new finance director to replace Vicky Strider.

“Vicky did a lot of work for Robbins,” Mayor Theron Bell said. “She did a lot of things that weren’t even part of her job, like picking up trash paper off the streets. We hope the manager will find somebody soon to take over and help us move forward.”

Bell is out of town on vacation, but spoke by telephone this morning.

On Friday, a public notice went out that the Robbins Town Board would hold an emergency session late in the afternoon for the purpose of naming an interim finance officer, as the law requires. The board gave Town Manager George Hayfield that authority, and he will sign in the capacity of finance officer while he advertises for someone to take Strider’s position.

Robbins is making no official statement as to whether Strider resigned or was dismissed. Hayfield said he cannot comment, as it is a personnel matter. Strider had held the job for several years, beginning in the position when Robbins was still under its former mayor/council charter.

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mcguy 2 years, 10 months ago

Vicky Strider was a fantastic CFO for the town of Robbins. I have always admired her ability to be upfront with many of the issues that have faced Robbins.

That being said, I was at the last town board meeting in Robbins and was shocked at what happened during that meeting. At one point during the meeting, (which was hands down the most unorganized, unprofessional meeting I have EVER been in) it appeared that the Town Manager and Vicky (CFO) were in disagreement. At one point, board members requested more information about a certain action item on the agenda. (In fact, it appeared that they were not given any information at all before hand.) At that point the City Manger and CFO were in disagreement about how certain monies were spent. I sat and watched Vicky read off numbers and verify information she provided to the board, while the town manager scurried off to his office a few times in order to make copies of his materials.

In short, Vicky appeared to know what she was talking about and it appeared that the City Manger was not as prepared as he should have been. The problem here, is not that the CFO told a different story than the town manager, but rather that the Board was not given adequate information about the vote prior to the meeting, and when they asked (and rightfully so) about what it was they were to vote on they were given incomplete and what appeared to be half truths until Vicky spoke up.

There was alot of violations of Robert's Rules during the meeting and Vicky did speak out without being called on. (but so did almost 7 other people.) If she is punished because she spoke out, what about the others who were vocal? What about following proper procedures not being taken to ensure that things like this don't happen?

It appears that that this was the straw that broke the camels back when it comes to the personality conflicts between town employees.

It pains me to write about sad things that happen to Robbins. It appears that for too long, people have decided not speak out about the negative things that effect Robbins. It appears that the only story that gets told is one of a small town seeking positive change. While this is true, and one of the most evident characteristics of Robbins, there could be a story behind how and why certain things are promoted or kept off the table.

Perhaps true positive change could be a more concerned public who is willing to question the status quo, challenge the norms of small town politics, and become active in the community and town board meetings.

Oh and... Vicky for Town Manger!

difflook 2 years, 10 months ago

WOW MeGuy, For sure..................and I am told that because she simply gave her opinion a few weeks back about the town purchasing the old theatre building, and becasue she cautioned the board about the cost of future maintenance and upkeep cost, that the ones on the town Board, or 1??? did not like her trying to get them to face the CASH $$$$ FACTS, she was headed for the door! And then for the Town Manager to announce that the town had awarded $3,500.00!!! to the Fire Department for Farmers Day advertising, out of the NC STEP money, HEY who isn't for the Fire Department, but they get advertising dollars, from the businesses and individuals who donate and to pay the Gospel singers, so to just DOLE OUT $3,500.00 FOR ADVERTISING???? What in the world? (JOBS ??? where are they,)) and then he said " as they gave last year" which was UNTRUE. So would board members rather be told a LIE or have a Finance Officer to speak up when they are being told an untruth??? They'll have to make that decision. What meguy says is true, been that way for years, when one's ideas are decided on they "pack the house" to make sure or try to make sure their agenda is followed. OK last thought, Town Manager= how many businesses have you visited since coming?? Its time for this to stop, the future of Robbins is at stake!

VickyStrider 2 years, 10 months ago

Thank you for the two comments. I need your support right now.

The structure of the theater purchase was NEVER explained to me. I was thankful the two commissioners were asking questions. I had been worried that the Town was going to be financially liable for the building. George and Theron were the only two associated with the town that knew what was being approved. I knew I was going to be required to carry out the Financial end of the NCSTEP Grant and I had no clue what was going on. The Finance Officer is responsible for the compliance of Grants. I was lost. If a Resolution had been written by the Manager and presented to the Commissioners for approval, I then could have gotten the Resolution and would have known what I was going to be required to do as far as the Grant is concerned.

I know very well that I am not to speak out at meetings. I have attended many meetings in my 24 years as a Finance Officer and I normally do not speak out unless called on. That night it seems as though everybody could say whatever they wanted, except me. I just needed to understand because I knew George would not tell me anything.

Oh well--To the many supporters I have in Robbins, I just want to say "Thank You". Your support will help me get through this. You guys are great and I do love you.

JohnChappell 2 years, 10 months ago

At the STEP meeting a consensus was reached with the STEP committee agreeing to change the STEP plan and use money that had previously intended for other uses (salary, materials, expenses for a marketing director job that no longer exists primarily) to buy the Village Theater instead. Any funds in that STEP grant unused by September will be forfeited and go back to the Rural Center.

Some discussion revolved about whether the Village Theater ought to be owned by the municipality or by a new 501C3 nonprofit foundation. The foundation was formed, and it applied for a targeted REAP grant of $75,000 to be applied to purchase the Village Theater. That way, the town will have no liability, no upkeep expenses, etc.

That application subsequently went before the Robbins Economic Advisory Panel — generally called "the REAP board" and the panel approved.

As it represented a change to the STEP budget, the next step was asking that the town board approve REAP’s recommendation. That came before commissioners at this meeting.

A good deal of discussion went on with no motion on the floor until Rocky finally made one, which passed without opposition.

All the details, as I understand it, had been sent as usual to commissioners many days before the meeting so they could clear up any possible confusion, ask any questions, beforehand.

I am requesting a copy of that packet so I can post details or perhaps write a story to clear up what seem to be a number of misunderstandings (especially about how STEP and REAP work, how the grant money was used, and so forth).

I am posting this on both threads; it is not a response to any particular comment — just trying to add some additional information.