70-year-old GID board member accused of sexual harassment

Kay Bennett, Silver Springs General Improvement District board member and self-described 70-year-old grandmother, has been accused of sexual harassment.

Bennett confirmed that an allegation of sexual harassment was made against her by an employee at the GID's sewage treatment plant, but declined further comment.

"On advice of counsel, I have no comment on the content of the memos at this time," she said. "I look forward to a full and fair investigation into the circumstances set forth in the memos and I intend to fully cooperate in any such investigation undertaken to ascertain the truth of those circumstances."

GID board Chairman Bob Freeman confirmed that a complaint has been filed, but declined to elaborate.

"I know that the paperwork was in place and the county's investigating it and other than that I have no comment," he said.

The complaint is the latest salvo in a history of discord on the GID board that has caused the Lyon County Commissioners to begin proceedings to dissolve the board.

The commissioners on April 5 voted 3-2 to create an ordinance that will dissolve the current board and install the county commissioners as the ex-officio GID board. Bob Milz, Larry McPherson and Don Tibbals voted in favor of the action; Phyllis Hunewill and LeRoy Goodman were opposed.

Bennett has also filed a complaint with the state Attorney General's office alleging violation of the state's Open Meeting Law. Linda Deming of the state Attorney General's Office confirmed that a complaint has been filed.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.