County Changes Hiring Policy After Favoritism Allegations

Mecklenburg County is changing its hiring policy after a woman was hired for a high-level position in the Department of Social Services after the job was posted for just one day.

At the start of Wednesday’s budget meeting, county commissioners went behind closed doors to discuss the hiring of three relatives of county leaders by DSS. They wanted more information on the hires after accusations of favoritism arose, especially in regards to Samara Foxx, wife of City Councilman Anthony Foxx, who was hired in July for a $100,000 a year job as a special assistant to the director after the county posted the position on its Web site for just a single day.

After an hour of discussion, commissioners determined that no wrongdoing had occurred in the hiring. However, County Manager Harry Jones has changed the county hiring policy to mandate that job openings be posted a minimum of six business days.

County Commission Chair Jennifer Roberts said she found no evidence of favoritism at DSS.

“There were about 40 people hired during that period, and three of them have famous last names. We asked good questions and we're satisfied that there was not preferential treatment,” she said.

As for DSS Director Mary Wilson, she said she'll abide by the new policy.

“If the county manager thinks that's the best way for us to present opportunities to the public, I totally support that and I will certainly adhere to that,” she said.

Wilson said if she had it to do over again, she'd have posted that job longer, but she insists there was no favoritism.

Commissioners said they still want to see information about others Wilson hired, so this issue may not be over quite yet.

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