North Myrtle Beach Officials Face Backlash Over Lack of Transparency in Mahaney’s Personnel File

North Myrtle Beach Officials Under Fire Over Mahaney’s Personnel File

What’s Going On?

North Myrtle Beach is buzzing with chatter as officials remain tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding former city manager Mike Mahaney’s recent paid leave. On September 19, the city council decided to place Mahaney on paid administrative leave, and it seems like since then, communication has hit a bumpy road.

The Ghost of Mahaney’s File

What’s particularly interesting—or rather frustrating—is that North Myrtle Beach has yet to release Mahaney’s personnel file. Despite numerous requests from media outlets, those in charge aren’t saying much. In fact, this lack of transparency raises eyebrows because it seems to be a violation of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act laws. Taylor Smith, an attorney with the South Carolina Press Association, pointed out that knowing about how public officials, especially a city manager, perform their duties is key for community governance.

Why the Silence?

In an email shot over to Mayor Marilyn Hatley and other key city officials, a local citizen raised concerns and asked for comments regarding the delay in releasing Mahaney’s file. Interestingly, only one response came back from Councilman Harry ‘Hank’ Thomas, who merely said, “I will ask why the delay…” Talk about vague! After that, silence fell again as residents and reporters alike tried reaching out to Mayor Hatley with no answers coming their way.

Attempts at Communication

Last week, the folks in North Myrtle Beach tried to get some clarity through calls and voicemails to Mayor Hatley. But instead of a direct answer, the mayor directed the city’s Public Information Officer, Lauren Jessie, to reach out via email. “How can I help you?” the email read. But when the request for Mayor Hatley to discuss the matter more thoroughly was sent, there was still no follow-up, leaving folks yearning for a more in-depth understanding.

Mahaney’s Next Steps

Now, here’s where it gets a bit more complicated. Under state law, Mahaney can request a public hearing about his termination. He did just that, waiting until the last possible day to put that in writing. His request stated, “Please respond tomorrow morning acknowledging receipt of this email,” which added another layer of anticipation for everyone involved. As of Monday morning, there has been no date set for this public hearing, even though the law states it should occur within 20 to 30 days of the request. All eyes are now squarely on October to see what transpires.

Community Frustration

The quietness from city officials is not just a minor annoyance—it’s leading to a broader frustration among those who call North Myrtle Beach home. As a community that thrives on open communication and transparency, residents deserve to know what’s happening behind the scenes. After all, keeping them informed is critical for the trust and harmony that keeps a city moving smoothly.

What’s Next?

As the city grapples with communication issues and the legal implications surrounding Mahaney’s personnel file, one thing is for sure: the people of North Myrtle Beach want answers. Whether it’s through a public hearing or some other means, getting the lowdown on the city’s management and decisions is essential for maintaining the voice and interest of the local community. For now, residents can only wait and hope that their representatives remember who they serve—the public!