On Monday, A board of local constitutional officers decided it would hear the appeals of two fired Sheriff's Department Employees.

The board made up of constitutional officers decided they will hear the appeals of K.K Bullard and Lisa Hall – both terminated by Sheriff John Everett for violation of departmental policy. Bullard was terminated late last year, while Hall was terminated earlier this year.

Both employees appealed their terminations to the Sheriff's Department previously. According to the Sheriff he hears and decides those appeals, with his captain and administrative assistant sitting in. Everett denied both appeals.

Hall's attorney Sutton Connelly told today's board that he tried to attend the previous appeal before the sheriff but the sheriff met him at the door, put his hand on his chest and refused to allow  him entry. Everett told AM1180 he never touched Connelly but did tell him he was not allowed into the hearing.

As to the board's decision, Everett said the county's personnel board can hear the appeal and rule however they want, he is not rehiring the terminated employees. He said they are governed by the Sheriff's Department's policies and not the county's. He said it is a waste of taxpayers money to hear the appeal of employees who violated departmental policy.  

The board was made up of Probate Judge Jon Payne, Magistrate Judge Tracy Maddox, Clerk of Court Lann Cordle and County Commissioner Jason Winters. Attorney Frank Beecham of Rome represented Chattooga County at the hearing.