Rusk Interim City Manager Files Formal Grievance Alleging Retaliation And Interference

RUSK, Texas (TXAN 24) — Rusk’s ongoing leadership dispute has taken another turn after City Manager Victoria D. Minton filed a formal employee grievance alleging retaliation concerns, interference with her duties and questions surrounding the city’s financial communications.

The October 9 grievance, submitted to the mayor and City Council with a copy to City Attorney Anthony King, comes as TXAN 24 News continues examining questions about municipal oversight, financial accountability and Minton’s position at City Hall.

Minton states she is not resigning and wants to continue serving the city. She alleges that individual council members have bypassed her managerial authority and that she has not always received timely financial information necessary to oversee city operations.

A central issue involves a September 30 request for $142,500 from Rusk’s economic development organization. Minton says the email she reviewed referenced past-due bills but did not specifically warn that payroll was at risk. She is requesting a review of when city officials were informed about the potential shortfall.

The grievance also describes an October 8 council meeting exchange in which Council Member Jan-Michal Pate Jr. allegedly told contracted CPA Anita Woodlee-Roach, “Well, I choose Anita,” after she indicated she would not continue working with Minton as interim city manager.

Minton argues that the incident undermined her position while she remained responsible for city operations.

Her requested corrective actions include preserving records, conducting a neutral review, clarifying the chain of command and protecting against retaliation.

The filing does not establish that unlawful retaliation occurred. TXAN 24 News has not independently verified the allegations or confirmed the city’s response to the grievance.

The dispute unfolds amid broader questions about Rusk’s leadership following Mayor Ben Middlebrooks’ October 9 resignation.

TXAN 24 News will continue examining the records, financial oversight concerns and city officials’ responses.