SALEM, Ohio - Two unions issued a vote of no confidence in Salem Service and Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello during a Monday city council meeting. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2701, alongside the police union, presented the council with a vote of no confidence in Cappuzzello, citing illegal modifications that were made to a former employee's contract, which resulted in that employee quitting. 

Salem Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey told 21 News that both union's claims were "absolutely unfounded," "untrue" and "inappropriate". 

"It was an inappropriate forum to present the issues as the council has no authority over the employee that was mentioned. I believe it was out of frustration, from an employee who is no longer with the city, by choice," Mayor Dickey said.

AFSCME's communications team has told 21 News that they, as a union, will always work to preserve the integrity of their contracts.

"Our goal is always to respect the contract and if any changes are made to that contract without consultation, we will go through the proper procedures," the union's communications team said.

Safety Director Cappuzzello told 21 News he has no comment on the matter, at this time.

Mayor Dickey expressed her disappointment with the unions' presentation of the issue, adding that she considers Cappuzzello a "valued employee who has done a lot of great things for the city."

"I don't think any of them [the union representatives] would want any mistake they made aired in that way," the mayor told 21 News.

21 News has reached out to AFSCME's Local 2701 branch in Salem but has not received any comment as of publication.