Days after it dismissed its Director of Veterans Services from her job, Schuyler County issued a statement addressing public concerns and rumors that have surfaced regarding the agency.
Last Thursday, Kristine Gardner, the Director of Veterans Services for Schuyler County, was dismissed from her job. Gardner said she was given the option to resign or be terminated after being told by County Administrator Shawn Rosno that she had not fulfilled her duties. In an interview with WENY television, Gardner said she was given no further explanation for her dismissal when she asked for specific reasons.
The firing has sparked outrage from veterans in the Schuyler County community. On Tuesday, Schuyler County issued the following release to Finger Lakes Daily News:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. SCHUYLER COUNTY ADDRESSES VETERANS SERVICES AGENCY RUMORS AND PUBLIC CONCERNS:
“In response to rumors and news articles and to allay the concerns of our veterans, Schuyler County would like to address the following points and correct misinformation appearing online and elsewhere about our Veterans Service Agency and its employees:
“Schuyler County has always been and will continue to be dedicated to supporting all Schuyler County Veterans, Armed Service Members, and their families through our Veterans Service Agency.
“No positions or services have been eliminated and none will be. A new director will be hired and our existing Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will continue serving our veteran community. Additional support will be given to the VSO until a new director can be hired. The director position will be posted shortly, and a qualified candidate will be hired in the near future. All planned veteran events will continue.
“All funds that are earmarked for Schuyler County veterans, including Dwyer Funds, undergo the county’s annual independent outside audit. Complete audits are available on the Schuyler County website. The latest independent audit is close to wrapping up and will be posted when it is completed.
“All appointed Schuyler County department heads, including the Veterans Service Agency Director, received the same “cost of living” raise in January. These raises are set by the budget, which is available online at the county’s website.
“Due to the need to protect every employee’s privacy, no confidential or private personnel information can be divulged without written permission.
“Schuyler County would like to thank our brave men and women who served, and serve, as well as their families, and appreciate their patience during this time of leadership change in the department.”
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