Rehoboth Beach Faces Allegations of FOIA Violations Over City Manager Appointment

Residents File Complaint with Delaware Attorney General

REHOBOTH BEACH, DE – Residents of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, have formally accused the city of violating the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) during the hiring process of their new City Manager, Taylour Tedder. The complaint, filed with the Delaware Attorney General’s Office, has sparked significant controversy and debate within the community.

Controversial Compensation Package

The hiring of Taylour Tedder has been a contentious issue, primarily due to his compensation package. Tedder’s package includes an annual salary of $250,000, a $50,000 move-in assistance grant, and a $750,000 housing loan that will be forgiven if he remains in his position for seven years. This generous package has drawn sharp criticism from many residents.
According to documents obtained by WBOC, the petitioners allege that Tedder’s compensation represents nearly a 600% increase over the previous City Manager’s salary, making him the highest-paid public official in Delaware. The petition argues that such decisions should have been made with public input in a transparent forum, rather than behind closed doors.

Allegations of Process Irregularities

The formal complaint to the Delaware Attorney General, spearheaded by Rehoboth Beach resident Thomas Gaynor, outlines several key issues. One major claim is that the decision regarding Tedder’s compensation was made in a non-public meeting, violating FOIA regulations which mandate transparency in such matters.

Additionally, the complaint contends that other candidates for the City Manager position were not offered comparable compensation packages. The public job announcement released by the city did not indicate such lucrative terms, leading to further allegations of unfairness and lack of transparency in the hiring process.

Qualifications Under Scrutiny

The petition also raises concerns about Tedder’s qualifications, asserting that he does not meet the requirements outlined in the City Charter for the City Manager position. This echoes a broader complaint within the community about the criteria and process used to select Tedder, which many feel was not conducted with adequate public oversight or adherence to established guidelines.

Previous FOIA Violation

This is not the first time Rehoboth Beach has faced scrutiny over FOIA compliance. In February, the Attorney General’s Office found that the city violated FOIA laws when they voted to hire City Solicitor Alex Burns without proper public notification. The city was required to conduct a public vote to rectify the situation. This history of non-compliance adds weight to the current allegations and has increased public distrust.

Community Reaction

The response from the Rehoboth Beach community has been divided. Thomas Gaynor, who submitted the formal complaint, voiced his outrage over the situation. “What is going on here with the finances and the fiduciary duties that are owed to the people of Rehoboth is absolutely outrageous,” Gaynor stated. He highlighted the excessive nature of Tedder’s compensation, especially in light of the town’s small population of 1,400 residents and the broader economic pressures facing many citizens.

On the other hand, some residents, like David Geiszler, believe that the city council acted within its rights. “I think the city council has the right to hire and fire people and I think that’s what they did,” Geiszler commented. “They hired somebody and I don’t think they violated any part of the city charter.”

City's Defense

Rehoboth Beach officials have responded to the allegations by submitting their defense to the Attorney General’s Office, requesting a dismissal of the petition. They maintain that no FOIA violations occurred and that the hiring process was conducted appropriately.

Ongoing Investigation

As the Attorney General’s Office reviews the complaint, the outcome remains uncertain. If the city is found guilty of FOIA violations, it could potentially face similar repercussions as in the case of Alex Burns, requiring a public vote to confirm Tedder’s appointment.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Taylour Tedder’s hiring as City Manager of Rehoboth Beach underscores the critical importance of transparency and public participation in government decisions. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains watchful, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to legal standards in municipal governance.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Rehoboth Beach Delaware’s FOIA Coordinator:

FOIA Coordinator
Ann Womack, MMC
City Secretary
229 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Phone: (302) 227-6181
Email: [email protected]