MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – After tensions mounted over the past months, three Montrose County employees have stepped down from their positions.
County Manager Frank Rodriguez and County Attorney Martha Whitmore said they resigned after they were asked by the commissioners. Meanwhile, Deputy Manager Emily Sanchez also resigned.
Rodriguez, in a statement, said that Commissioners Scott Mijares and Sean Pond asked for his resignation “based on a misalignment of cultural values (and) for the best of the county, I decided to accept.”
In a letter sent to the Board of County Commissioners, Whitmore said Pond and Mijares also asked for her resignation.
Rodriguez also said his resignation takes effect at the end of the business day on Tuesday.
Following these resignations, the commissioners are holding a special meeting at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday. The agenda shows that the county manager’s contract will be discussed as well as consideration of approving the Law Firm and of Betchel and Santo as outside council.
Additionally, the commissioners will go into executive session to appoint interim positions for county manager, assistant manager and attorney.
Pond said in a statement that he never requested Rodriguez to resign, however, Mijares did start a discussion about the matter. Commissioner Sue Hansen opposed the issue.
Pond said he had “no issue” with Rodriguez’s performance and that he “had nothing but respect for him.”
“I also shared that I had not felt welcomed in the current leadership environment and that something needed to change,” Pond said. “I added that if a resignation were voluntarily offered, I would accept it. At no point did I request Mr. Rodriguez’s resignation.”
He said during the same meeting Sanchez voluntarily offered her resignation, adding her decision was not requested by the board.
Pond said Whitmore offered her resignation, doing so on several occasions over the past months. However, Whitmore disagreed with this statement.
She said although there’s “no need for public drama,” this was not a voluntary resignation. She said she was surprised that Pond said her resignation was voluntary.
“Let me assure you that my resignation was not voluntary,” Whitmore said. “It was requested by the two of them.”
But Pond contended her resignation was not requested by any member of the board.
Rodriguez was only recently picked for the position as he held the title for roughly six months. He was the previous Olathe police chief before taking over as county manager.
“It has been an honor to serve each of you in the capacity of county manager,” Rodriguez said. “In my short time, I was humbled by the amazing dedication of Montrose County employees and their selfless commitment to our county.”
Sanchez who held several roles over the year with the county was the interim county manager before Rodriguez was appointed.
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