(CENTREVILLE) – A member of the St. Joseph County Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Board has been removed.

During last week’s meeting the St. Joseph County Commission voted 4-1 to remove Tony Heiser from the CMH Board. Commissioner Ken Malone cast the lone NO vote.

The CMH Board previously approved a resolution for removing Heiser. County officials say the resolution cited Heiser for being absent from four board meetings in 2020; and had five absences in 2021. In addition the CMH Board said Heiser was declared out of order during their meetings in February and March. He also allegedly became combative and disruptive during meetings with the CMH’s collective bargaining agreement, and also entered the CMH building in April and interviewed staff along with interfering with their work.

It was also alleged in the resolution that Heiser attempted to contact the CMH legal counsel, without the consent of the CMH Board, to clarify the policy on nepotism.

Heiser explained to the County Commission that his absences in 2020 was because his wife was hospitalized, and in 2021 he had COVID along with starting a job on third shift. He also questioned why his attendance was brought up two years later.

The County Commission commented that Heiser failed to follow the rules and protocol of the CMH. Heiser’s removal from the CMH Board went into effect immediately after the County Commission voted.