Ex-Milton Councilman George Jordan says he was 'mentally abused' during time with city

Former Milton City Councilman George Jordan vehemently defended his decision to step down from the council during a passionate speech at Monday night's executive committee meeting, taking several jabs at current Councilman Jeff Snow and City Manager Randy Jorgenson.

Jordan, who unexpectedly tendered his resignation March 23, said he had lost faith in city leadership within the last two years, particularly in Jorgenson, due to issues centered around the new Wastewater Treatment Plant. The former councilman claimed that Jorgenson had knowledge of the construction costs coming in at millions of dollars above the original bids before the city broke ground on the facility, and that he was untruthful about costs related to the project.

"The city manager was aware that the bid for construction had come in $25 million above the estimate (Baskerville Donovan Inc.) had given the city, and this information was withheld from the council until sometime after the groundbreaking," Jordan said.

More about the treatment plant:Milton wastewater treatment plant cost doubles to $54 million, city looks to cut costs

Jorgenson did not attend Monday night’s meeting due to family matters, according to city spokesman Stephen Prestesater. He did not immediately respond to phone calls or text messages from the News Journal seeking comment about Jordan’s claims.

At one point during his speech Monday evening, Jordan asked City Attorney Eric Mead if he and former Councilwoman Sharon Holley, who resigned the week before Jordan, were "still under that gag order not to disclose the indulgences of the city manager."

Mead did not respond to Jordan. Speaking to the News Journal after the speech, Mead said that there "is no gag order."

"It’s a law, and he’s aware of what it involved. It’s a matter that I can’t talk about," Mead said. "It’s HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act)."

Jordan also took issue with comments Snow had made to the News Journal in an article published online March 23 in which Snow said that Jordan’s and Holley’s resignation were "two of the best things to happen to Milton." Jordan did not respond to the News Journal's request for comment prior to the publication of the March 23 article.

"Mr. Snow said I never put the city first and have done nothing good for the city," Jordan said. "To the first part, he’s right — I put God and my family first. But I did sacrifice for this city, and I have done good things for this city."

Jordan spent several minutes outlining contributions to the city that he said he made as a council member, including serving on the Tourist Development Council, Wastewater Treatment Plant Board and former Main Street Milton board.

Snow opted not to respond to Jordan’s claims on Monday night.

Ultimately, Jordan said he resigned to protect his mental and physical health, claiming that the city of Milton perpetuated a toxic work environment.

“This is a hostile work environment, and no one should allow themselves to be mentally abused in such a hostile environment, for their physical and mental health,” he said. “They should exit the situation as soon as possible. The city has lost several employees in the last couple of years.”

With Jordan's and Holley's resignations, the City Council has 60 days from each resignation to appoint a person to fill the seats.  

Annie Blanks can be reached at ablanks@pnj.com or 850-435-8632.