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February 9, 2012

Princeville commissioner, interim town manager involved in physical conflict

Sports Editor Calvin Adkins

TARBORO —

PRINCEVILLE — The disconnect of water service at a commissioner's home led to a physical confrontation between the elected official and a town employee Wednesday at the town hall.

According to Commissioner Gwen Knight, interim Town Manager Maggie Boyd gave instructions to a public works employee and a police officer to cut off Knight's water because the account was delinquent in the amount of $662.77.

Knight said she went to the town hall to pay the bill as soon as she was told about her service being cut off.

"When I got there, Maggie Boyd told me I was eight months behind," Knight said. "I told her, 'Don’t worry about me. How many months are you behind?’ '"

After she paid the bill, Knight said she went outside and, on her way back into the building, she met Boyd at the door and the two bumped into each other. Knight said she grabbed Boyd but neither threw any punches.

A Princeville police officer took both women to the magistrate’s office where their complaints were heard, although the magistrate did not find probable cause to file charges against either party.

"He told us that it was a town problem and the town should handle it," Knight said. "I knew I had not paid my bill. I was trying to see how long they were going to let it go. I never got a delinquent notice or nothing. I wanted to make a statement."

Knight said she is attempting to shed light on a policy adopted by the town board of commissioners that allows citizens to pay partial water and sewer bills.

According to the town's water and sewer billing document for last September, uncollected bills totaled more than $50,000 with more than 50 accounts ranging from $200 to more than $1,000. Four customers were billed a combined $5,000 and the highest bill was for $1,715.

Knight said Boyd's name was on that list.

"My question is, did everybody who owed water get cut off?" Knight asked. "If they cut off mine, then everybody else should be cut off, too. If she owes (the town) money, she does not have any business being the interim town manager."

Knight said the mayor has not allowed her to see the water and billing documents since last September.

"I'm going to ask the Local Government Commission to get a copy," Knight said. "It really doesn't make any sense."

Boyd, who was on her first day as the interim town manager, declined to comment on the situation. She was appointed unanimously on Tuesday during a special meeting. Commissioners Ann Howell and Knight did not attend the meeting, while commissioners Isabele Purvis-Andrews and Calvin Sherrod voted in favor of the appointment. Boyd was the museum curator for the town.

Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates did not respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment.

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