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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Veteran Service Officer Scott Crump came under fire from two Barnes County commissioners who question Crump’s knowledge of the job and professionalism six months into the job. His supervisor, Commissioner Phil Leitner conducted an investigation and gave a review of his findings.

Leitner told Crump to stop eating breakfast on the clock with other county employees and was expected to have a traditional 8-5 schedule. He said he conducted an investigation to get the facts regarding how Crump was managing his office after those initial discussions and he included the results of that investigation in Crummp’s performance review. He adds, “As Scott’s supervisor I made it absolutely clear that he was to discontinue his practices when I became aware of them in November.” Leitner said most of these issues were resolved after he advised Crump to make the corrections to his work schedule. 

Crump says he was never given any direction from Leitner after he took over the position in July of 2013.

A number of area veterans told the commission that Crump has gone above and beyond the call of duty helping them and that he should stay on the job.

Commissioner Jon Froelich said he caught Crump having breakfast with county employees when he should have been in his office. He also says Crump was taking too many 3-day weekends.

Former Veteran Services Officer Jim Drong says Crump needs to have flexible hours helping area veterans.

Area veteran Gary Schlagel told Commissioner Froelich he was too picky about Crump working an 8 hour day.

On a 3 to 2 vote the Barnes County commission approved a motion to take Crump off his job trial status. Commissioner’s Froelich and Leitner voted against the motion. Earlier Leitner made a motion to extend Crump’s trial period for another 6 months. But that motion failed on a 3 to 2 vote.

After the meeting commissioner Phil Leitner resigned his Veteran Service Officer portfolio citing a lack of support from fellow commissioners over the handling of this investigation. Commission President Eldred Knutson is the new VSO portfolio holder.

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