Gonzales council places City Manager Allen Barnes on administrative leave

GONZALES — The Gonzales City Council met in an emergency meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 28 to discuss placing City Manager Allen Barnes on administrative leave with pay.

District 1 Councilman Gary Schroeder attended the meeting but sat in the audience section of city council chambers rather than joining the other council members up front.

On the agenda was a discussion to place Barnes on administrative leave with pay until the council is able to conduct an investigation on the case. District 2 Councilman Tommy Schurig made a motion to place him on administrative leave with District 4 Councilman Clarence Opiela seconding it.

When Mayor Connie Kacir asked if there was any discussion, District 3 Councilman Lorenzo Hernandez asked on the reasoning behind the administrative leave.

“I have received numerous complaints that involve unacceptable conduct with our city employees,” Kacir explained. “Based on this information, I would like to take action on this agenda item to uphold what is in the best interest of our employees and of our city.”

Hernandez pushed on, saying he’s always been one to go with the best interest of the city.

“Having said that, I feel like Mr. Barnes is not getting a fair shake on this deal,” he said.

The councilman claimed he had not spoken to enough people and that “this is déjà vu from a couple months ago with our IT services and it’s about the same situation.”

Kacir asked for order in which Hernandez replied with “understood. Anyways, that’s my opinion on it.”

Kacir then clarified saying that she feels that the council will “move forward in an equitable and fair manner.”

Opiela also mentioned the importance of fairness on all parties, stating that he wanted to make sure Barnes was given a fair investigation.

After calling for a vote, Schurig, Opiela and Kacir voted for while Hernandez voted against. The motion passed.

City Council also voted to retain the law firm of Denton, Navarro, Rocha, Bernal, Hyde & Zech P.C. as special counsel to assist in completing the investigation. Kacir noted that she contacted Counselor T. Daniel Santee based on his experience with municipality law and specialization in employment law.

“The attorney will be working with our city legal counsel, Counselor [Jackie] Williamson.”

Councilman Schurig made the motion to retain the law firm and it was seconded by Councilman Opiela. Schurig, Opiela and Kacir voted for the motion while Hernandez voted against. The motion passed.