ELIZABETHTOWN — A second county employee has been fired in relation to circumstances surrounding the firing Monday of county Revenue Director-Tax Collector Chris Ellis.

According to County Manager Greg Martin, Chris Johnson, a tax collector for the past 15 months with the county, was also terminated.

“His termination was related (to Ellis’ firing),” Martin said. “The termination was due to unacceptable personal conduct.”

Ellis was terminated by the county commissioners on a 6-3 vote because of “conduct unbecoming a Bladen County employee which created an adverse work environment” — with Delilah Blanks, Arthur Bullock and Michael Cogdell voting against the firing.

Ellis was employed by the county for 6 1/2 years.

W. Curt Vincent

cvincent@civitasmedia.com