Fayette County Commissioners Dismiss Chief Clerk Amid Controversy

The Fayette County commissioners have officially terminated their chief clerk, Amy Liston, after over 13 years of service, a decision that has provoked public criticism. During a voting meeting on October 28, 2023, Liston confronted the commissioners, questioning the motives behind her dismissal and emphasizing that her performance was not the issue.

Liston recounted the circumstances of her termination, stating that two human resources employees and a sheriff’s deputy delivered a termination letter signed by all three commissioners. She was subsequently escorted from her office. “I would say it wasn’t my job performance,” Liston remarked during public comment. “It was politics and personality.”

She highlighted her commitment to her role, noting that she continued to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, even participating in meetings via Zoom while recovering from the virus. Although her termination letter referenced issues with her performance, it failed to provide specific instances of poor reviews or disciplinary actions. “I was told once I was too frank,” Liston added. “So apparently frankness, or honesty, is not valued by these commissioners.”

Commissioners Respond to Termination

During the same meeting, commissioners Scott Dunn, Harry Dutch Kaufman, and Vince Vicites voted unanimously to confirm Liston’s dismissal. Dunn stated that he could not provide further details due to personnel confidentiality but did mention that Liston’s responsibilities have been temporarily reassigned to other staff members. “Her duties have been distributed to other people temporarily, and we have not hired anyone to replace her,” Dunn said.

The role of chief clerk encompasses a range of responsibilities, including assisting the commissioners, developing the county budget, preparing meeting agendas, and managing open records requests from the public. Following Liston’s departure, a job posting for the chief clerk position was made available on the county’s website on November 14, 2023, with the application period closing shortly after.

Before her tenure as chief clerk, Liston had a background in journalism, having worked as a reporter for the Observer-Reporter and Herald-Standard newspapers. Her experience in media may have contributed to her outspoken nature, which she believes played a role in her termination.

The decision to terminate Liston has raised questions among community members about the dynamics within the Fayette County government and the implications for transparency and accountability in local governance. As the county seeks a new chief clerk, the focus will likely turn to how the commissioners will address the concerns raised by Liston and the public during this transition period.