By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter
Cedar Key Police Chief Virgil Sandlin was terminated from his job Tuesday by Mayor-Administrator Heath Davis.
Sandlin, who had served as chief for at least a decade, was handed a letter by Davis indicating he no longer worked for the city and that he could appeal the decision.
The former chief said he would appeal, according to Davis. Davis said he can’t reveal the reason for the termination at this point. Sandlin’s case will be heard by the Cedar Key City Commission.
“We can’t say yet. He has the right to appeal that decision. He has done that and that decision will be heard in front of the commission on the 15th of March,” Davis said.
The meeting begins at 5 p.m. Davis expects a large crowd.
Davis said he doesn’t think the appeal filed by Sandlin is in writing at this point, but if he learns that it has been provided to the city in written form, he will provide it to Spotlight.
“I know he has asked for some things like employee policy and things like that,” Davis said. “He was given his letter of termination Tuesday morning.”
Davis said there has been no vote of the commission concerning Sandlin’s termination. Davis acted within his authority as the city administrator and mayor.
“It was done administratively. That’s why he has the right to appeal to the commission,” Davis said.
A majority of commissioners will decide whether the termination stands or is overturned.
The two-sentence letter of termination from Davis was clear about Sandlin’s status as an employee.
“This is to inform you that as of today, February 28, 2022, the city records will show that you no longer work for the City of Cedar Key. This decision can be appealed to the City Commission,” the letter said.
Sandlin signed off on the letter.
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Enterprise Reporting by Terry Witt March 2, 2022; Posted March 2, 2022
