A growing number of former Potter County employees are stepping forward to describe what they call a toxic and abusive work environment inside the Potter County District Clerk’s Office, raising questions about leadership, accountability, and workplace culture within a critical public office.
Since 2021, the office has seen unusually high staff turnover, with 28 out of 30 employees leaving their positions. Several of those who resigned or retired had worked in the clerk’s office for decades, but say they felt they had no choice but to leave after years of mistreatment.
“I just wanted it to stop. That is all. If it had just stopped, none of this would have happened,” said one former employee who served more than 20 years. “I loved my job, I loved the people that I worked with. I gave 20 years to Potter County.”
Allegations of Hostile Treatment
Former employees describe a pattern of emotional and verbal abuse, sudden changes to policies and procedures, and an atmosphere where staff feared retaliation for speaking out. The most recent group of eight employees who resigned said their decision came after years of frustration.
“Enough was enough,” the group stated, pointing to what they viewed as a lack of leadership and respect in the workplace.
Among the most troubling allegations were reports of discriminatory directives related to language and culture. Several employees said they were told to stop playing Spanish-language music in their departments and discouraged from speaking Spanish at work.
An employee recalled being told directly: “I want that Spanish music to stop in your department. I want your department to stop speaking Spanish.”
In a written communication, another former employee said, “She told me that when I hear either the Spanish music or my girls talking Spanish, to tell them they can no longer do that. We work in an English-speaking office.”
Complaints and Settlement
Concerns about workplace behavior eventually reached human resources, prompting an investigation into the conduct of the current chief deputy. While details of that investigation remain confidential, county officials confirmed that a settlement was reached with eight employees earlier this year.
Potter County agreed to pay $170,000 to the group in exchange for resolving their claims. The agreement, however, does not erase the larger issues raised by years of staff departures and the testimonies of employees who say they endured hostile treatment.
Leadership Silent on Allegations
When asked to respond to the claims, Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner said she was advised not to comment. Potter County District Clerk Stephanie Menke dismissed the concerns outright, stating the office “will not comment on rumors.”
The refusal to directly address the allegations has left some former employees and community members frustrated. They argue that the office plays a vital role in managing court records, processing important legal documents, and ensuring public access to the justice system — and that workplace instability undermines public confidence in these services.
Broader Implications
The exodus of staff members is significant for a department that depends on institutional knowledge to function efficiently. Longtime employees often carry with them years of procedural expertise, and their departure can create disruptions that affect the public.
Beyond the practical concerns, workplace culture has become a growing area of focus for governments and private employers alike. Allegations of discrimination, verbal abuse, and retaliation can not only harm employee well-being but also expose institutions to financial liability and reputational damage.
In Potter County, the settlement signals recognition that problems existed — but without clear explanations from leadership, questions remain about what changes, if any, will be made to prevent further issues.
For the former employees, the settlement brought some closure but not necessarily satisfaction. As one longtime staffer put it, “I loved my job… I just wanted it to stop.”
What Comes Next
For now, the District Clerk’s Office continues its operations, but the absence of a public response or a clear plan for improvement leaves uncertainty hanging over the department. With nearly the entire workforce replaced within just four years, the turnover stands as one of the starkest signs that the internal problems described by staff may run deep.
