by Teresa Eubanks, Journal Editor
The Altha Town Council is looking for an interim employee after being notified that longtime Public Works Director Wayne Gable will be taking family medical leave for approximately six months.
“I was informed by Mr. Gable earlier today that he is requesting that he be given his sick time and his Family Medical Leave Act time,” Altha Town attorney Matt Fuqua told council members during a special meeting last Wednesday.
“He’s going to provide us with a letter from a physician that states that his problem has been resolved,” he said, without commenting on the reason for the Gable’s leave request. He curtailed discussion by telling council members, “There really is nothing else we can discuss. We can’t discuss what happened, what his medical condition is because of privacy concerns.”
He said he told Gable he would be required to present a letter from “a reputable physician” before returning to the job.
“It’s going to be a tough time for the town because he’s got a lot of sick time and vacation time,” Fuqua said.
Council members discussed soliciting applications for a temporary position.
Fuqua suggested the council contact surrounding towns for recommendations on someone who has the necessary experience.
The council is expected to meet this week to discuss the search. In the meanwhile, the garbage collection date has been changed to Friday and a part-time helper has been found to assist with the pickups.
Altha Police Chief Jimmy Baggett has offered to help with the garbage route and work with the town clerk who said she will have two sets of meter readings to complete this month.