Trustees terminate inspector's employment

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION TWP. — Following a closed-door meeting that lasted nearly two hours, a local elected office board recently voted to terminate the employment of its building and zoning inspector. By a 2-1 vote, Vermilion Township trustees let go of Joe Baxter: • Trustees Kenn Baughman and Keith Sexton supported the move. • Trustee Don Rowe sided against the measure. Before the vote occurred, Rowe attempted to extend Baxter's probationary period by a month, however, his motion failed. Rowe claimed he had support from residents to allow for additional time. What the vote will mean for the township's building department, going forward, was not discussed in detail during the meeting. Why take this action? Additionally, before eliminating Baxter's employment, Baughman and Sexton brought up concerns about how the township needed to change directions with this department and the person leading it. According to his termination letter, dated April 1, Baxter's employment ended because his performance as a full-time building and zoning inspector was "deemed unsatisfactory" during his probationary period. The letter states Baxter had been appointed Jan. 2 and that his three-month probationary period was set to expire on April 2. Baxter had previously served as Vermilion Township administrator and was tasked with helping establish the township's building department. This followed a transition away from using the city of Vermilion for those services. The position oversees building permits, inspections and zoning compliance within the township. Baxter was not present during the meeting. Township officials indicated the position is expected to be filled, though no timeline or replacement was discussed publicly during the meeting. Questions emerge over roles, communication Baxter said he had emails documenting a lack of response to some of his requests during his time in the role and showed examples to Vermilion Daily. Township officials, however, said the issue was not whether emails were sent but that there was disagreement over who was responsible for parts of the building department's setup and operation during its early formation. The difference in expectations may have contributed to communication challenges during Baxter's probationary period. Baxter thanks residents, responds Baxter took a measured tone following the decision. "I thank the residents for the opportunity to serve. I'm a Vermilion taxpayer, and I'll continue to be around to help the people in this community," Baxter said in a phone call after the decision occurred from the trustees. He also disputed criticism raised during the meeting about the status of the department. "The building department was fully compliant with the board of building standards and 100% open for business," Baxter said.