WELLSBURG - Mayor Wayne Campbell announced Wednesday that, as Wellsburg's acting city manager, he has fired Ernie Jack, the city's water superintendent and a former mayor.

Campbell made the announcement at the city's water-sewer board meeting and cited dissatisfaction with the quality of Jack's work. He said as acting city manager, a position he's held since the departure of Jim Lenthe last November, he has the authority to remove or suspend a city employee without consulting with the board or Wellsburg Council.

"The city manager has the responsibility, and I feel I'm doing the right thing," he said.

Jack couldn't be reached for comment. Calls to officials with the Brooke County Public Service District and village of Beech Bottom, which also employ Jack, weren't returned on Wednesday.

Campbell said Jack was placed on suspension with pay on Monday, but he has since decided to remove him from the position and ordered Jack to turn in his keys, which he has done.

Jack was among 15 arrested last week in a reverse prostitution sting by the Jefferson County Drug Task Force and Steubenville Police and faces a charge of soliciting prostitution. His case is pending in Steubenville Municipal Court.

Asked if that was the reason Jack was fired, Campbell said, "It was not why I fired him. It was on my mind and has been on the city's mind."

Campbell said the main reason Jack was let go was because of poor oversight of the city's water treatment plant that has caused the facility to fall into disrepair.

He and 2nd Ward Councilman Paul T. Billiard said equipment was ordered for the plant some time ago but not installed. Billiard said security also was a concern because he entered the building one day to find no one there.

Mike Hornick, the city's assistant water superintendent, said he encountered the same situation and advised the staff not to leave the building without locking the door.

Campbell said Hornick will serve as acting superintendent, with no change in his pay, until a decision on the matter can be made by the new mayor, city manager and council, who enter office on July 1.

Billiard said he supported dismissing Jack but questioned if some issues at the plant should have been addressed by the staff also.

Hornick said he and other staff could do only what was instructed to them by the superintendent. Asked if Jack had been told there were concerns about his work, Campbell and 3rd Ward Councilman Randy Fletcher said Jack was advised verbally and in writing. Water-Sewer Board member Susan Doty didn't attend the meeting but sent a letter stating her opposition to Jack's removal.

Campbell read the letter, in which Doty suggested Jack be given the chance to get counseling, as was done with another city employee under other circumstances.

Following the meeting, Campbell addressed two rumors that have circulated about Jack's arrest. Campbell said Jack wasn't on duty at the time of his arrest and wasn't using a city vehicle.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com)