Tallmadgeexpress.com - Recreation Facilities Manager removed from job

The employment of Tallmadge Recreation Facilities Manager Tom Headrick was terminated by Mayor Christopher Grimm Friday morning, following a disciplinary hearing.
The hearing followed a Summit County Sheriff's Department investigation into allegations against Headrick, who had been on paid administrative leave since April 14. The final results of the investigation are still pending, according to Grimm, but he said the city plans to pursue criminal charges.
Headrick, who was manager for about five years, did not attend the disciplinary hearing, according to Grimm.
Headrick could not be reached for comment. His attorney, Edmond Mack, speaking on behalf of Headrick, told the Tallmadge Express, "Headrick tendered his resignation to the city of Tallmadge yesterday [May 1] effective 4 p.m. that day. Headrick regrets that the city elected to proceed with predisciplinary proceedings in his absence after the effective date set forth in his resignation had passed. Not withstanding the actions by the city, Headrick still has a deep appreciation for the city of Tallmadge and the opportunities it has provided him."
In a letter to Headrick from Service Director David Kline informing Headrick of the disclipinary hearing, the city listed eight disciplinary charges, which include diverting funds belonging to the city, "badgering employees" and using city employees for a private mowing company, Grimm said.
"The city will prosecute to the fullest extent," the mayor said. "He lied to us, betrayed us and stole from us."
Grimm, who said he refused to accept a letter of resignation Headrick turned in Thursday afternoon, is unsure how much money is involved with the allegations.
"The scope and time frame of the allegations far exceed what was originally thought," he said. "I will continue to work with the sheriff's department and the Summit County Prosecutor's Office to make certain the city of Tallmadge does not become victimized by any wrongdoings."
"It is with deep regard for the city of Tallmadge and its citizens that I submit this letter of resignation from my position of Recreation Facility Manger," Headrick said in his letter of resignation. "I have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to work with so many good people over the years."
Barb Schartiger, who took over operations at the recreation center during the investigation, has been named interim manager of the facility and a wide-range search will be conducted shortly to find a new manager, Grimm said.
"I can't express how disappointed we all are," the mayor said. "We will continue to be made whole " we will continue to move forward."
For more, please see the May 11 edition of the Tallmadge Express.