Vidor city manager reinstated after six-week investigation

Vidor City Manager Robbie Hood was reinstated to work pursuant to a 5-0 vote by the City Council during its Oct. 12 regular meeting.

After approving the council’s consent agenda, Mayor Misty Songe called for an executive session in which the council and city officials spent nearly two-and-ahalf hours discussing the investigation and possible actions of the city manager with City Attorney Chris Leavins.

Returning to the public forum, Ward 3 Councilmember Michael Thompson motioned to reinstate Hood, and Ward 2 Councilmember Nicole McGowan seconded the motion. Ward 1 Councilmember Mercedes Lee was absent from the meeting.

According to Mayor Misty Songe, Hood will be on a six-month probation period.

“I am unable to disclose the terms since it is a personnel matter discussed in executive session,” Songe responded to an inquiry from The Examiner.

Emails for comments sent to Thompson, McGowan, Ward 4 Jessica Barker, Ward 4 and Kathryn Weldon, Ward 6, were not returned as of press time.

Sept. 1, Hood was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation involving complaints from several employees. The investigation was handled by a third-party attorney, according to Songe.

While Hood was on paid administrative leave, the elected officials appointed the police chief to fill in as city manager and a captain filled in for the police chief.