Cayce City Manager Jim Crosland resigned earlier this year. In his exit letter he said there was “a toxic environment” in Cayce. Crosland’s comments are included in documents related to an investigation into the inner-workings of Cayce’s government. The investigation was initiated after another City of Cayce staff member lodged a complaint on Oct. 7. It revealed a rift between Mayor Elise Partin and Council Members: Mayor Pro Tem Tim James; Phil Carter; Hunter Sox; and Byron Thomas.

The report, prepared by attorney Ryan Hicks of White and Story Attorneys, said the level of interaction by Cayce Mayor Elise Partin resembles a “strong-mayor” system rather than the council-manager structure that has governed Cayce since 1975. Click here to see YouTube Video of Council Meeting with Ryan Hicks

Click here to see Hicks Investigation Findings Letter

Also: A report in the Charleston-based Post and Courier said Attorneys “investigation revealed a history of overreach by the entire council.” Click here to read their story

As a result of Hick’s investigation, Cayce City Council voted to adopt an ethics code that makes all roles clear.

Here’s some text from the investigator’s letter: “City employees, current and former, also acknowledged being contacted by the Mayor and other council members; however, more communications stemmed from the Mayor. These employees reiterated concerns from the complaint in that they often felt as though they were being placed in precarious situations between Council, especially recently. Employees also identified being uncomfortable in such communications, and that it can cause confusion in the workplace. Some employees indicated being uncomfortable with the manner (i.e, delivery) in which the Mayor communicated, but not all; no concerns were raised about the delivery of any other current council members outside of the communication(s) occurring.

Some Cayce staff, or former staff who were not identified, said they thought the mayor was not overstepping, and was just trying to help. The report reads: “prior City Managers voiced similarity in that it was common for (the) Mayor to interact with staff there was some disagreement on attempts to “micro-manage” and in some instances it was perceived to be the Mayor’s attempt to help and/or save time.”

Council members said they perceived the investigation as evidence that confusion is being created between staff and council because roles are not being followed properly.

“There’s an atmosphere at City Hall that doesn’t reflect the professionalism and integrity our community expects,” said Mayor Pro Tem Tim James.  “It is evident that working outside the boundaries of government, as outlined in the report by the third party, has driven away talented leaders and employees who loved serving Cayce. Council has heard the complaints from employees, and it was critical to allow for due process, and the report and investigation confirms what so many already knew. The investigation makes clear that the conduct of no other council member raised concern. The pattern of overreach is unique to the mayor and is completely unacceptable.”

Council members said the report helps explain the reason for confusion about who staff actually reported to. They also said it explains the steady turnover of upper-level city staff that has puzzled residents for years.

“Our employees are the backbone of this city, and they deserve to work in an environment built on respect and trust,” said Council Member Hunter Sox. “It’s unfortunate and deeply disappointing that this kind of behavior has pushed away so many capable leaders who gave their all to Cayce.”

“This has gone on for far too long,” said Council member Phil Carter. “The report lays out exactly what many of us have been saying for years — the interference, the overreach, the disregard for proper channels. It’s time we turn the page and implement the recommendations in full.”

Councilmember Byron Thomas said City Council has made repeated attempts to work as a team, only to face hostility. He said there is unnecessary division and that makes it harder to do the people’s work. “We’ve tried to work in good faith, but every time we do,” he said, “it leads to more conflict. It’s time to move forward, restore civility, and get back to focusing on the progress Cayce deserves.”

Mayor Pro James called, earlier this year, for Cayce to adopt the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s Civility Resolution, encouraging elected officials to “disagree better” and model professionalism in public service. Other council members have requested workshops for years – proposals that align squarely with the investigator’s recommendations.

Hicks also offered several concrete steps to strengthen accountability and restore professionalism:

• Adopt a formal Code of Ethics and Conduct — setting clear expectations and consequences for council behavior.
• Reinstate regular council workshops and team-building sessions to improve communication and collaboration.
• Develop an annual work-plan resolution outlining shared goals and measuring progress.
  Enhance protections for staff communication so employees can report inappropriate conduct without fear of retaliation.