Darlington Council rescinds termination, issues Notice of Intent
By Stephan Drew, Editor
The Darlington City Council voted last week to place City Manager Lenessa Hawkins on paid administrative leave and to issue her a written Notice of Intent, reversing a termination action taken earlier this month to comply with contractual requirements.
Council unanimously voted to rescind a previous 4–3 decision made following a 2½-hour executive session during a Dec. 16 meeting that terminated Hawkins’ employment. City officials later determined that the termination did not follow the procedural steps outlined in Hawkins’ employment contract, which requires a written Notice of Intent to be issued prior to any final termination action.
Under standard municipal employment procedures, a Notice of Intent outlines the reasons and charges being considered and provides the employee with an opportunity for due process. This typically includes time to review the allegations, examine evidence, and request a hearing before a final decision is made. Because that step had not occurred, council was required to undo the Dec. 16 vote before proceeding with further action.
After rescinding the termination, council voted 4–3 to authorize Mayor Curtis Boyd to submit the Notice of Intent to Hawkins. Several council members who opposed the motion cited concerns about a lack of involvement in drafting the document.
Councilmember Angela McRavin, who voted against issuing the notice, said she could not support it without having had an opportunity to provide input. “The reason I’m not going along with the written notice is that I’m not in agreement with several of the things, and had no opportunity to have any input on what was put in this letter,” she said.
Councilmember Shelia Baccus echoed those concerns, stating she voted “no” for the same reason, noting that council members were not consulted during the preparation of the notice.
Councilmember Bryant Gardner added for the record that all members received the letter simultaneously.
Councilmember Elaine Reed also expressed dissatisfaction with the process, saying she would have needed input before supporting such a document. Gardner responded that he, too, was not given that opportunity.
As part of Tuesday’s action, council voted to assign City Clerk Gloria Pridgen to oversee city manager responsibilities during Hawkins’ leave. Pridgen, a City employee with over 40 years service, previously served as Interim City Manager prior to Hawkins’ appointment. McRavin questioned the decision, noting that Pridgen had previously been reluctant to step into the role.
Hawkins was appointed city manager in December 2024.
During the Dec. 16 meeting in which her termination was initially approved, Hawkins requested a public hearing. Council stated at that time that such a hearing must be held within 20 days. As of Tuesday night, no date for a public hearing had been announced.