Ohio fire chief suspended over grant money purchase order

The chief was disciplined for not getting a council purchase order to buy turnout gear with all fire grant money

By Joe Shouse
The Times Bulletin

PAYNE, Ohio – The conference room normally used to house the bi-monthly meetings for the Payne Village Council was the scene of a small-town courtroom on Monday night. A hearing was held as a result of Fire Chief Jamie Mansfield receiving notice from council on Oct. 27 of being guilty of making a purchase without prior approval of the fiscal officer.

Because of the nature of the allegation brought against him, Mansfield sought out legal council on the matter. Therefore a hearing allowing cross examination was held on Monday evening.

Following the hearing, the council elected to go into executive session. After 20 minutes of deliberation, the council, under the direction of its solicitor, attorney James Sponseller, returned with a guilty charge. Mansfield was suspended for 90 days without pay, effective immediately.

Full story: Payne fire chief given 90-day suspension