Former inspector threatens lawsuit

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

— Ray Adams, Decatur’s former building inspector, threatened to take legal action against the city at the city’s July 19 council meeting.

Adams appeared before the council, demanding to know why he was terminated from his position last May. When Mayor Charles Linam refused to give a reason, Adams replied, “I will see you in court.”

City councilman David Sutton urged Linam to give a reason for Adams termination, suggesting Linam tell Adams his services were not accurate.

Linam said he would not give a reason, explaining that he did not want to give Adams an arguing point. However, as Sutton continued pressing for a reason, Linam said Adams is extremely accurate, but there have been problems with his demeanor. Linam continued to maintain that he could not give a reason for the termination.

Adams received two termination letters from the city. The first letter, dated May 3, informed Adams that he was no longer the city’s building inspector. According to Linam, Adams continued topresent himself to local businesses as the city’s plumbing and electrical inspector. He was then sent a second, more specific letter on May 11 terminating him from all positions, Linam said.

Adams is not a city employee and received an IRS 1099 form as a selfemployed independent contractor for his services as city building inspector.

The city is currently working on a contract to have county inspectors do all the city inspections. County building inspectors Jeff Brown and Lynn Tracy are currently doing all Decatur inspections at no charge until the details of the contract are worked out, Linam said.

“I think it’s going to be a very, very good situation. The two inspectors are very nice, personable men that will not let anyone get by with anything,” Linam said at the June council meeting.

News, Pages 1 on 08/01/2012