Commissioners tackle in-depth topics Tuesday

With their ranks reduced by one, county commissioners kept a busy schedule Tuesday, covering topics ranging from personnel to eminent domain to Pocahontas Memorial Hospital’s financial status.

Commission president James Carpenter was not in attendance because of a death in his family. Commissioner Reta Griffith acted as the body’s president pro tem in Carpenter’s absence.

Sheriff’s deputy to remain on paid leave

After nearly 30 minutes in executive session with Sheriff Robert Alkire, commissioners announced that a deputy sheriff charged two weeks ago with a felony involving his duty weapon will remain on paid administrative leave.

Commissioner Martin Saffer said he and Griffith had requested in executive session to suspend Deputy Sheriff Robert Alkire II’s pay until the case is concluded.

“The sheriff refused to comply with the request,” Saffer said. “The sheriff has declined to take any disciplinary action other than removal from duty.”

Under normal circumstances, discussions of an executive session are kept secret by all parties involved; however, Saffer said the sheriff was made aware that commissioners would make a public announcement at the conclusion of the closed session.

Alkire II was charged with wanton endangerment after allegedly discharging his firearm. A special prosecutor has been assigned to the case.

Griffith said she is concerned the sheriff violated his own personnel policies, which may not be a matter of public record, although Saffer said he thought they should be.

Saffer said the commission wants a full report of the investigation. Griffith said the commission’s position will be sent to the county civil service board which meets next week.

However, that board mainly sits to hear grievances from suspended deputy sheriffs, not to act as a disciplinary body unless the deputy sheriff is accused of engaging in political activity.

The sheriff did not return a telephone message left at his office Tuesday afternoon.