Point #3
True’s interactions with P&Z employee Cindy Womack-Steele were described as intimidating and contributed to an uncertain work environment, after which she resigned.
Summary: On July 22, 2025, Cindy Womack-Steele submitted a letter of resignation, effective immediately. In her letter, she cited concerns related to a lack of support and communication from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), as well as challenges within the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) work environment.
Womack-Steele described the work environment as increasingly difficult, noting uncertainty, limited guidance, and declining morale. She expressed concern that actions and communication from the Prosecuting Attorney (PA) contributed to confusion regarding roles and responsibilities within P&Z. She also raised concerns about a lack of transparency and what she perceived as inconsistent or unclear direction.
The letter referenced an April 17, 2025 incident in which the PA entered the P&Z office with a citizen and directed the issuance of a permit. According to Womack-Steele’s account, this interaction involved direct engagement with staff regarding permit decisions. She indicated that this type of involvement contributed to uncertainty about proper procedures and lines of authority.
Womack-Steele’s resignation letter reflects her perspective that the overall work environment had become unsustainable. Her concerns included the absence of consistent, written direction from the Commissioners and uncertainty about whether established County processes, as outlined in the Washington County Code, were being followed.
Her departure highlights broader concerns about communication, clarity of authority, and workplace stability within the department at that time. The documentation raises concerns about the appropriate boundaries between legal advising and administrative decision-making.
For further details, use the following links to the attachments: