Property Assessor Denies Ethics Complaint Allegations, Ethics Committee Moves to Examine Claims

Rutherford County Property Assessor Rob Mitchell told The Daily News Journal that he will not be addressing allegations against him and his office contained in a complaint filed with the Rutherford County Ethics Committee. The Committee has also reportedly scheduled a meeting to examine the complaint on July 17.

Assessor Office employee Richard Kincade sent his complaint on June 16, alleging the Property Assessor's Office has not been assessing county properties according to state law, political bias in hiring practices, preferential treatment of employees, wage discrimination practices, and conflict of interest violations. Kincade claimed these activities were done either with Mitchell's mandate or approval.

"Categorically False and Untrue," Mitchell Says of Allegations

"Any and all of the recent ethics complaints filed against our office are categorically false and untrue," Mitchell told the Journal. "Since my tenure started 13 years ago, my office has never had an ethics complaint, and we look forward to addressing each and every complaint. Like any other organization or entity should do, we follow the proper rules and processes for our office and when we fall short, we correct our methods to avoid future issues."

"Out of respect for the process and the citizens of Rutherford County, I will not address these complaints through media outlets so that we don’t invite speculation and incorrect assumptions," Mitchell continued. "We will address the complaints in full to the correct and official venues at the appropriate time. Thank you for your concern."

Ethics Committee Meeting Scheduled, County Attorney to Advise on Response

The Ethics Committee will meet to examine Kincade's complaint on July 17 at 1 p.m. in Room 205 of the Rutherford County Courthouse, Committee Chairman Teb Batey told the Journal.

The Journal also reported that Batey has asked County Attorney Nick Christiansen to advise on an appropriate response to the complaint that complies with the County Ethics Policy.

The County Ethics Policy explains what the Ethics Committee may do in response to ethics complaints like Kincade's. The possible responses outlined by the Ethics Policy include:

• "in the case of an official, refer the matter to the County legislative body for possible public censure if the County legislative body finds such action warranted;"

• "in the case of an employee, refer the matter to the official responsible or supervision of the employee for possible disciplinary action if the official finds discipline warranted;"

• "in a case involving possible violation of State statutes, refer the matter to the District Attorney for possible ouster or criminal prosecution."

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Matthew Giffin is an independent journalist based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.