Interim SLO County administrative officer fired over ‘improper conduct toward women’
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors fired interim County Administrative Officer John Nilon during a closed session meeting after he was investigated for “improper conduct toward women,” the county announced in a news release Friday.
The board voted unanimously to terminate his employment, county counsel Rita Neal reported at the end of the meeting.
Nilon was investigated for violating the county’s policy against discrimination and harassment, the release said.
“Our policy is clear and adherence to it is mandatory by all employees,” Supervisor John Peschong said in the release. “The county is committed to providing a work environment where everyone is treated with respect and professionalism. We expect all employees to adhere to the policy and expect our CAO to exhibit the best judgment when dealing with employees in the workplace.”
Rebecca Campbell, the assistant county administrative officer, will fill the position immediately until the county finds a permanent replacement.
Nilon’s termination of employment is not related to the Information Technology Department employee being investigated for misuse of county funds, according to the release.
Nilon resigned after being questioned about harassment allegations
After receiving complaints from staff, the county investigated Nilon for allegedly violating the county’s policy against discrimination and harassment, according to Neal.
“Once complaints came forward, we had a legal obligation to investigate the allegations,” Neal said.
Nilon submitted his letter of resignation on Wednesday, but his contract required him to work for another 30 days, according to Neal.
The board reviewed the results of the investigation during the meeting on Friday, and unanimously voted to terminate Nilon’s contract of employment immediately instead of allowing him to finish the 30 days, Neal said.
According to a county source who wished to remain anonymous, Nilon was questioned about the harassment allegations on Wednesday, and submitted his resignation later that day.
Nilon was hired as the interim county administrative officer on May 1 after Wade Horton resigned from the position in March. The board extended his contract again in July.
Nilon made an hourly wage of $144.77
This story was originally published November 17, 2023 at 4:42 PM.
