Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Richland County Administrator Gerald Seals says he's still on the job, despite the county council's vote last week to fire him.
Seals wrote a letter to the council saying no one has formally let him know what his status is, so for now, he's continuing to fill his duties.
"Please be advised that I am exercising the duties of County Administrator by contract and State law," he wrote.
A special meeting of the county council is being held at 3 p.m. Monday to address the matter.
Last Tuesday, in a contentious meeting, the board abruptly voted to terminate him. The decision came after a five hour long meeting that included a behind closed doors session where Seals' status was discussed. When that session was over, Councilman Norman Jackson proposed getting rid of Seals.
Council Chair Joyce Dickerson disagreed, saying that the item wasn't on the agenda, so they couldn't take action. In the end, however, a majority of the council agreed to the Jackson's motion.
Seals, however, says he's received no formal notice from the council since that meeting. According to him, he only learned of what happened by watching news reports and seeing the recorded video of the council meeting online.
"To date, I have NOT received the notification contemplation of said 'action' as is required by my contract and State law," Seals wrote the council.
Seals says his contract is specific about the termination protocol, and as of now, he says the county's action isn't valid.
News19 will be at this afternoon's meeting and will will let you know what's decided.