Official arrested on drug charges fired

County commissioners voted 3-1 last week to terminate Dayton Utilities Manager Don Allen, the Mason Valley News reported.

Commissioner Bob Milz said the panel's action was based on reasons cited in a July 28 letter written by County Manager Steve Snyder.

But Snyder declined comment, saying it was a confidential personnel matter.

Commissioner Frank Elwell was the lone dissenter, saying there was no validity to the reasons cited by Snyder.

Allen was placed on paid administrative leave after his June 21 arrest at his Silver City home.

He was booked for investigation of use and possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He has only been charged so far with the latter count, a misdemeanor. He has pleaded innocent to the charge.

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