Columbus parts ways with fire marshal

COLUMBUS — Officials say they intend to change the fire-marshal position to a part-time job after having James Chollett step down from the role during a City Council session earlier this month. 

Chollett’s termination was effective immediately and fell within his six-month probationary period after he was appointed to the role in April, officials said during a Sept. 14 council meeting.

Mayor Lori An Gobert last spring had recommended Chollett’s appointment, which would have lasted two years.

Reached this week by The Citizen, Chollett –– a veteran firefighter — said at this time he would not be making a statement and was exploring his options.

The council voted unanimously to terminate Chollett following a closed-door discussion in executive session. His termination letter cited interpersonal factors related to the work environment, but officials have also said budgetary reasons were a consideration. 

In the wake of the council’s decision, Gobert said the city will amend an ordinance to change the position from a full-time appointment by the mayor to a part-time position with the candidate hired by the city manager.

City Secretary Bana Schneider said Chollett had completed one of six certifications required for the fire marshal license when he was asked to step down.

The fire marshal duties called for a partnership between Columbus and Weimar.

“The appointment was for a full-time position to be shared between two municipalities. The other municipality wasn’t able to move forward with the change of administration,” Gobert said. “Not having the certifications limited the scope of work that needed to be done, and it wasn’t a cost-effective solution at this time.”

In Columbus, the fire marshal investigates the cause, origin and circumstances of blazes in the city resulting in property damage and determines a cause, whether by carelessness or arson.

Schneider also said the staff reduction assists with the city’s budgetary concerns. The council has previously discussed how to properly compensate employees.

“It's really hard for us to do a full-time position in our budget,” Schneider said.

Chollett‘s termination letter cited the council’s decision as being based on several factors the leaders on the dais viewed as not conforming to “the work environment and culture of city staff.”

“It wasn’t a good fit for the position,” Gobert said.

Chollett also is a captain for the Columbus Volunteer Department and has been a volunteer for almost two decades.

This story is a rewrite of an article that ran under my byline in the Sept. 24 print edition of The Colorado County Citizen that did not meet our standards for completeness and fair reporting. I apologize to fire Capt. James Chollett, his family, our readers and the community. Thank you all for the accountability and opportunity to learn from and correct my mistakes. — Allison Drinnon

An earlier version of this article did not meet the standards of quality journalism we expect of ourselves at the Colorado County Citizen. A headline accompanying that narrative made an inference not adequately supported by the reporting, and the story did not fairly present all sides.

We apologize to those affected and to our readers.

Senior editors have since reviewed and clarified the reporting and made an effort to obtain additional perspectives from those involved. Our revised coverage reflects that level of diligent journalism and provides a more complete and balanced account.

The Citizen takes seriously its responsibility to report the news accurately, fairly and objectively. When we fall short of that responsibility, we believe it is important to swiftly acknowledge it, correct the record and learn from it. 

We will continue striving for excellence in every article we publish. — Alesia Woolridge