A senior emergency management planner in Flagler County said she could keep her job despite allegations by the county that she was unaccounted for during Hurricane Matthew — actions the county says put the community at risk.

  • Jennifer Stagg accused of being unaccounted for during Hurricane Matthew
  • Stagg is a senior emergency manager planner for Flagler County
  • A hearing officer has until 10 a.m. Thursday to make a decision

News 13 learned on Monday that Jennifer Stagg could be fired after the county claimed she missed time during the hurricane.

Stagg on Wednesday was back at the Government Services Building in Bunnell for the second day in the fight to keep her job.

"Of course, with any kind of challenge, it's been a long process," she said.

Stagg is trying to prove that several allegations the county presented against her in a disciplinary notification aren't true. There are claims of Stagg's tardiness, chronic absenteeism and insubordination for refusal to complete work during Hurricane Matthew.

"I think the information that's out there — the evidence supports it — it will, like I said, ensure a positive outcome," Stagg said when asked if the claims against her were untrue.

Dozens of people showed their support for Stagg on Monday during the first hearing. Stagg's supporters also wrote statements for the hearing officer to consider since the hearing went on for several hours and was later postponed until Wednesday.

Stagg was asked about an allegation listed in the letter about her whereabouts on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9 during the hurricane.

The county claims Stagg was "unaccounted for" and put people in danger.

"There is evidence that will, I think, handle that," Stagg said when asked about allegations she was absent during the storm. "I'm very pleased that Flagler County did not lose anybody and did not have anybody pass away because of Hurricane Matthew. There were plenty of other cities, states and other counties that lost valuable members of their communities."

Stagg's job is now in the hands of the hearing officer.

"Mrs. Sherman has that time to make her decision — to go over all the information that was provided to her, and we'll know more tomorrow," said Julie Murphy, a spokeswoman with Flagler County.

The county's hearing officer has until 10 a.m. Thursday to make a decision.

Added Stagg: "The best outcome is to get back to work and do what I love to do."