Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Russell Erkkila, president of AFSCME Local 226, reads a letter from the Houghton County Employees Union asking the county board to censure Clerk Jennifer Kelly.

HOUGHTON — The Houghton County Board held a special meeting Thursday to discuss the county employee’s union concerns with Clerk Jennifer Kelly.

In a letter to the board, the union said Kelly had sent letters to local clerks and other members of the public containing restricted information and “biased allegations” about union employees. It formally condemned the behavior.

It learned about Kelly’s letter in December, and received a copy in January, according to the union, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 226.02.

Kelly’s letter had violated several policies, the union said, including an article in the union contract that states a reprimand of an employee should be given in a way that does not embarrass them before other public employees.

The union asked the county board to censure Kelly.

“This sort of harassment against union employees creates a hostile work environment and puts the county at risk for legal proceedings,” the union’s letter stated. “The AFSCME Local 226.02 is prepared to take any steps necessary if the harassment in the county clerk’s office does not stop.”

The board went into closed session for 90 minutes to discuss the letter. Returning to open session, board members voted to proceed with the recommendation determined in closed session. They would not say what that was.

Kelly could not be reached for comment Friday.

Russell Erkkila, president of AFSCME Local 226, which includes the employees union, said Friday he had yet to hear of the board’s decision. He plans to meet with the two Houghton County union representatives next week to decide next steps.

“We haven’t discussed anything after yesterday,” he said.