Miami County administrator Colley resigns after less than two years

Move called voluntary, but commissioners approve separation payout; Clarey takes interim position
County Commissioners (from left) Ted Mercer, Gregory Simmons and Wade Westfall, work with county administrator Charlotte Colley to lead the Miami County government.

County Commissioners (from left) Ted Mercer, Gregory Simmons and Wade Westfall, work with county administrator Charlotte Colley to lead the Miami County government.

TROY — The resignation of Charlotte Colley, the Miami County commissioners’ administrator, was accepted Thursday by the commission along with a separation agreement.

Colley was hired as the commissioners’ administrator in July 2021, filling a position that had been vacant for a number of years.

During Thursday’s meeting, Colley said she was “grateful” to have had the opportunity to work for the county.

“I have learned a lot from all of you. During my tenure, I believe we were able to accomplish some really wonderful things. I am glad to have been part of that,” Colley said.

She said she looked forward to her future endeavors and wished the commissioners the best. The resignation described in the notice as “voluntarily” submitted was dated Tuesday, March 7, and effective Friday, March 10.

“We are grateful to her for the service to Miami County and wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Commission President Wade Westfall. “Our policy is not to speak  about personnel issues.”

He referred additional questions to county Prosecutor Tony Kendell.

Charlotte Colley

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The commissioners also voted to hire Michael Clarey, assistant county development director, as the interim commissioners’ administrator, effective Friday, March 10. Clarey will be paid $400 a week in addition to his current pay to perform the added duties, according to the resolution approving his hiring.

A request to review Colley’s personnel file, including any job reviews, had not been fulfilled as of Thursday afternoon.

The commission in January adjusted some of the administrator’s authority and responsibilities, reducing her role in employee requisitions and some payroll-related activities. The commissioners said they again wanted to be more involved in those areas of county operations and said they planned to review the responsibilities annually.

The commissioners’ office provided copies of her resignation letter and the separation agreement, release and waiver in response to a public records request.

Among agreement provisions, Colley will receive a one-time lump sum payment of $34,000 severance along with unpaid wages and accrued vacation leave as of March 10.

Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com

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