Rutherford County Election Administrator Nicole Lester, by a vote of 5-0, has been dismissed by the County Election Commission. This action came at the regular month meeting of the commission on Monday evening (7/7/2014).

In its regularly scheduled monthly meeting, Chairman Ransom Jones presented the evidence that Lester was reportedly not putting in a full days work. As a result, he indicated that it was negatively impacting the morale of the commission's employees. 

Several resident voiced support for Lester, and she too brought documents noting that she was putting in the required number of hours. 

Chairman Jones said the opening for election administrator will be posted immediately, and filling it with a strong candidate is their top priority. The next election is scheduled for August 7th. 

Again, the Rutherford County Election Commission meet at 5:00 Monday night, July 7, 2014, and unanimously voted to immediately release Nicole Lester as the county's election administrator. Based on revised population figures, the salary increased July 1st, the start of the new fiscal year, to $92,640.