PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend Library Director Theresa Percy, who was placed on administrative leave last month, has announced her retirement.
Percy’s administrative leave, which began June 19, will continue until her September retirement, so she will not return to work, according to City Manager David Timmons.
Percy was placed on leave after a workplace complaint said she had advocated passage on Aug. 6 of a proposed $3 million bond issue for library renovation while on office time, according to a joint statement by Percy and the city released late Wednesday afternoon.
Percy is forbidden to campaign for any measure on city time.
The complaint said that she had asked another library staff member to gather information that could be used in support of the bond issue, according to the statement.
“The information was never used for the campaign,” the statement said.
“Nevertheless, Ms. Percy’s action created an appearance of impropriety that needed to be addressed and further evaluated,” it continued.
“The city was reviewing how to respond to the matter when she announced her decision to retire,” the statement said.
Timmons said Wednesday that he could appoint an interim library director as soon as next week.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
