For many years. around the end of September, first of October, I file a records request with all local governments for the current year payroll information. For many years, there's never been an issue with any of our local governments providing that information, until now.

Looks like Lenoir City officials, or should I say, mayor Tony Aikens, doesn't want to give up his payroll information this year for some reason. After waiting three weeks for the information that usually takes a couple days, at most, I received an email from city manager, Amber Kelso, that she couldn't provide my requested information due to the ongoing lawsuit between Loudon County and Lenoir City over Aikens two illegal annexations. Of course, that's absolutely absurd. Ms. Kelso said I would have to make my request to city attorney, Walter Johnson. So I did.

Obviously, Ms. Scott, as just the city manager, would have no authority to deny a public records request. Apparently, attorney Johnson didn't even know of my request, I had to send it to him. So who does that leave making the decision to deny a public records request? That would have to be the mayor himself.

So, that's nearly $300,000.00 worth of city employees holding up a simple public records request. What are they wanting to keep secret? I suspect there were some big raises this budget cycle and I suspect the mayor doesn't want that to get out during the election. Maybe he's just being Tony, who knows.

Nothing will ever change in Lenoir City until something changes in Lenoir City.

Below is the email chain on my records request.

Original Request

September 25, 2024 10:32 AM

From: Van Shaver

To: Amber Scott Kelso, Amber Scott Kelso
Subject: Records Request

Please See Attachment

Van Shaver

October 2, 2024 at 09:23:09 AM

From Amber Scott Kelso

Mr. Shaver:

Good morning.  I am in receipt of your records request.  I will need additional time to process your request.

Thank you,

Amber Scott Kelso

City Administrator 

October 2, 2024 10:27 PM

From: Van Shaver
To: Amber Scott Kelso

Subject: Re: Records Request

No problem. I will anxiously await the information.

-v-

Oct 16 at 9:47 AM

From: Van Shaver

To: Amber Scott Kelso

Cc: Walter Johnson

I have no idea what one has to do with the other. Seems more like a delay tactic than anything. I can only assume the delay is election related. You sent me the same information last year within a day and the lawsuit was ongoing then also.

I look forward to hearing Walter Johnson's explanation on how a lawsuit by Loudon County against Lenoir City, impacts a citizen's right to public records. 

-v-
 

October 16, 2024 9:59 AM

From: Van Shaver
To: Amber Scott Kelso
Cc: Walter Johnson
Subject: Re: Records Request

Esq. Johnson,

Attached is the payroll request for 24-25 for all Lenoir City  employees. I'm sure you saw Amber's reply about why she couldn't fill the request  and said I needed to send it to you. In addition, please explain why pending litigation between the county and city effects a citizen's right to a public record that has absolutely nothing to do with the lawsuit.

Van