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Lewis County Lawmakers Fire Diehl

Story Published: Feb 1, 2013 at 5:58 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 2, 2013 at 7:23 AM EDT

After meeting for close to 2 hours behind closed doors, the Lewis County Board of Legislators decided Friday to fire trails coordinator Bob Diehl.

He was suspended without pay in November and was arrested for allegedly misusing $3,200 worth of county funds.

Diehl is accused of submitting a purchase order to pay for gravel he used for his own driveway.

In a vote of 9 - 0, lawmakers decided to fire Deihl. 

"You just don't let somebody go without giving it some deep thought. It moves your heart a little bit," said legislature chairmasn Mike Tabolt.

Legislator Rick Lucas left before the vote was taken as a show of dissent.

"It's all about looking in the mirror  with the decision you make, and I think I made the proper decision," said legislator Phil Hathway.

Lawmakers will meet next week to discuss filling the possition.

On Monday, the board met to discuss the situation, but left without making a decision.

At the time, sources told 7 News the board was basically split in half about what to do about Diehl's job. A hearing officer, a retired judge, recommended Diehl be found guilty of incompetence and suspended without pay for 60 days.

Diehl did not attend Friday's meeting. He told The Watertown Times " “I did the best I could for the county. I’m sorry the legislators didn’t see it that way.” (See the newspaper's report here.)
Saturday, May 18, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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