The Faribault County Board of Commissioners went into a closed session during their meeting on March 18 to discuss some personnel issues.

When the meeting reopened to the public, county attorney Cameron Davis announced the reason for the closed session was to discuss allegations made by a county employee against two other county employees.

“The allegations are of potential discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behavior,” Davis said. “The allegations involve two incidents. In one incident, the allegations are against county coordinator Brian Hov and Human Resources director Amanda Shoff. In the other incident, the allegation is just against Shoff.”

Davis then explained that the subjects of the complaints, Hov and Shoff, had requested the meeting go back into open session, which is their right.

“I recommend the board proceed with the investigation of the matter, either by myself as the county attorney or by hiring an outside investigator,” Davis stated.

The board voted to have Davis investigate the allegations.

“I will proceed by interviewing the complainant,” Davis commented. “Next, I will meet with the accused. I will then issue a preliminary report to the personnel committee before meeting with the full board.”

Asked about a timeline for the investigation, Davis responded that he would try and have everything completed by the board’s next meeting on April 1.

Davis concluded by saying, “The word investigation can carry a negative connotation. I would caution people that these are just allegations.”