Dave Bohrer / The Meridian StarMeridian City Hall

Meridian Parks and Recreation Director Kelvin McGruder has been suspended pending an investigation, a city official confirmed Thursday.

In an email to The Meridian Star, Chief Administrative Office Richie McAlister wrote that the administration could not comment on an investigation conducted by an “outside agency.”

“Mr. McGruder has been placed on Administrative Leave,” McAlister said.

Ward 4 City Councilwoman Kim Houston said she spoke to McGruder Thursday afternoon.

“I don’t know what’s happening — he doesn’t know,” Houston said. “It’s going to be interesting come Tuesday (City Council meeting) because we need to know what’s going on.”

Houston said she is concerned with the departure of key figures in the administration, including Justin Campbell — the mayor’s assistant — who she said recently resigned.

Late last year, Community Development Director Bunky Partridge and Public Safety Department Director Buck Roberts both retired. Chief Financial Officer David Whitaker resigned his post in November 2017, and Fire Chief Anthony Clayton announced his retirement in early May. 

“I would like to know what in the world is going on that all of these people are all of the sudden quitting, or whatever is happening to them,” Houston said.