Don Jarman became the second city employee to be released from his position in a week Friday when Rushville Mayor Merv Bostic dismissed him from his Animal Control officer position.

Bostic said Jarman was released for insubordination. Jarman’s firing followed the dismissal of his former assistant, Animal Control officer Jamie Glandon earlier in October.

According to Bostic, on multiple occasions in recent months he has received complaints regarding the conditions at the animal shelter.

After bringing the complaints to Jarman’s attention, Bostic said that he was given the impression that changes and improvements would be forthcoming; however, according to the mayor, that was not the case and a change had to be made.

Jarman had held the position for the past 18 months. Bostic said things went smoothly during the first couple of months following his appointment.

“Donnie and I have been friends for forever, for 40 years or longer. I told him of the complaints I was getting and made it clear that the place needed to be cleaned up,” Bostic said.

The mayor continued by saying that although the decision to make a change was not easy, it was in his opinion a necessary decision.

“I had no choice, I did not put him in the situation that he was in. I had no other choice but to terminate him,” Bostic said.

Jarman was released from his duties Friday afternoon when he was called to the animal shelter by the mayor.

“I told Donnie that it was not working out and I am relieving you of your duties,” Bostic said.

Bobby Jones is temporarily filling in as the acting city animal control officer, although Bostic said that in coming days he intends to name Jarman’s successor.

The mayor also said that he anticipates Jones will return to his former city employment position at the Smiley Avenue transfer station in the near future.

When contacted Monday, Jarman declined to comment, saying only that he was going to look at his available options.

Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.