Tammy Cheek-News Herald

The Lenoir City Civil Service Board Thursday upheld the city's decision to dismiss Julie Harvey, Lenoir City deputy clerk.

A written ruling is expected in the next two or three days.

Harvey appealed the dismissal with the civil service board after she was fired for reportedly making a cigarette accessible to a Loudon County Jail inmate and altering a check.

"The committee thought the city provided a preponderance of evidence to support their case," said Bill Ghormely, secretary of the civil service board said.

City Recorder/Treasurer James W. Wilburn III declined to comment on the hearing.

According to a statement of disciplinary action by the city, Harvey was reported Jan. 5 for allegedly providing contraband - a cigarette - to a Loudon County Jail inmate, but Wilburn said the disciplinary action was also taken because she altered a property tax check from a customer on Dec. 30, 2011.

Another incident on April 12, 2011, in which she was reprimanded for unauthorized use of a computer, also influenced his and City Administrator Dale Hurst's decision to dismiss Harvey.

Harvey has been a deputy clerk with the City of Lenoir City since Aug. 27, 2007, according to her employment record.