Thomas Bell, Buena Vista’s representative on the Rockbridge Regional Library board of trustees, has offered his resignation following disputes with library leadership and accusations he says are unfounded.
In a letter submitted to Buena Vista City Council last month, Bell announced his intent to step down effective Aug. 22. However, he also wrote that he was willing to remain through the end of his term in July 2026 if Council members preferred.
Bell said his decision followed what he described as falsehoods spread about him and his wife, Melissa, a former Buena Vista branch employee who resigned earlier this year. He denied claims that they spread rumors about other staff members, saying Melissa only explained her departure when asked by patrons.
Bell, who has served on the board for seven years, also accused library director Julie Goyette of favoring the Lexington branch over other locations and creating what he called a “toxic work environment.” He also criticized the cancellation of two summer board meetings, claiming the board was unwilling to hear his complaints, and said he had planned to introduce motions critical of the director’s management.
At the board’s Aug. 21 meeting, Bell attempted to raise his concerns publicly, but board chair Dr. Harper Donahoe ruled the discussion out of order, saying personnel issues could not be addressed in open session. The board then adjourned.
In a written response to The News-Gazette, Goyette rejected Bell’s allegations. She said policies and decisions are made “for the library system as a whole” and approved by the board of trustees.
“There is no preferential treatment for one location over another,” Goyette said. “All employees are required to follow the same procedures and board approved policies.”
Goyette described her working relationship with Bell as “professional” and said he has served as a valued member of the board’s policy committee. She added that managers from all branches meet with her monthly, that she regularly visits locations, and that grievance policies are in place to address staff concerns.
Regarding meeting cancellations, Goyette said the June 26 meeting was called off due to member vacations, while the July 24 meeting was postponed to July 31 because of a COVID case, but ultimately canceled when a quorum was not available. “The chair has the authority to cancel meetings,” she said.
Goyette noted that board appointments and resignations are handled by the four participating local governments — Buena Vista, Lexington, Bath County, and Rockbridge County. When a trustee resigns, she said, the local government advertises the vacancy and selects a replacement to serve the remainder of the term.
Bell’s resignation leaves one of Buena Vista’s two seats on the regional library board vacant.
