In June of this year, the City of Reno hired out of town law firm Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart, P.C. to investigate a complaint lodged by City Councilmember Jenny Brekhus against City Manager Doug Thornley.
Brekhus' complaint alleged that she had experienced retaliation as a result of her November 2021 report that she saw Thornley consuming alcohol in his office while on duty in violation of City policy.
She alleged that she has been denied access to staff and resources that have inhibited her from completing her duties as an elected official. Her ability to communicate with City staff was limited to only written communications with Thornley and his closest associates.
The investigation did not find any evidence that supported her claim, and instead found Thornley's actions resulted from Brekhus' borderline abusive treatment of City of Reno staff.
It was also found that Thornley's actions in limiting Brekhus' access to himself and staff members was not retaliatory.
Ultimately, evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the City Manager's actions were in response to the Councilmember's harsh and borderline abusive treatment of City of Reno staff.
According to the investigation report:
"Councilmember Brekhus has a habit of speaking to individuals in a manner that demeans and belittles them. In a passive aggressive manner, she calls their competence and, often, their integrity, into question – frequently in the presence of others – such that many are afraid to deal with her."
The report goes on to say that Thornley had to limit Brekhus' contact with staff to protect their mental health, protect the organization from a risk management standpoint, and limit staff attrition.Â
