Published: July 17, 2008 10:59 pm            

Eton's Hall decides to take probation, keep job

ETON — City clerk Kim Hall was given two options Thursday morning when she met with Mayor Billy Cantrell regarding her arrest on June 8 — she could resign immediately, or keep her job by complying with conditions set by the City Council.

Hall chose the second option: suspension for one month without pay, and “indefinite” probation with the stipulation that any traffic violation except for a minor traffic offense — including DUI — would result in automatic termination. Reached Thursday afternoon, Hall said she had “no comments” on her decision to remain as city clerk.

Hall is charged with five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, allowing an unlicensed driver to drive and open container of alcohol in the vehicle. She is scheduled to appear in Murray County Superior Court on Aug. 6.

“The council and I reviewed Ms. Hall’s situation in close detail,” Cantrell said, referring to Wednesday night’s executive session after the council meeting. “We took into consideration the public’s view of the situation and the embarrassment brought upon the city of Eton.”

Cantrell noted Hall’s 18 years of service as clerk, and said her actions “were not crimes of moral turpitude which could result in suspension up to termination,” yet still warranted punishment from the city.

“We understand that sometimes people make mistakes that later are regretted,” Cantrell said on behalf of the council, “but these types of actions are not acceptable or condoned, warrant punishment, and will not be overlooked. I hope this is a big lesson learned by Ms. Hall and allows her to make better decisions in the future.”

City attorney Terry Miller said “crimes of moral turpitude” can be traced to Georgia law and case law and were often used by government entities to judge employees in a “moral sense” when there are brushes with the law by people who perform an important function.

        

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