The Investigation That Preceded the Payout
A 2025 internal investigation into Comstock Township government found merit in former Superintendent Scott Hess’ claims of a hostile work environment and age-based discrimination, according to a 66-page report reviewed by WOODTV.
The findings emerged months before Hess was fired without cause in June 2026 and awarded a $412,429.94 payout by the township board.
The report, conducted by township attorneys, concluded that Hess had a "colorable claim" of a hostile workplace. It also noted that specific options for negotiating his departure were included in a separate legal opinion.
Allegations Against Treasurer Sandra Bloomfield
The investigation highlighted several incidents involving Township Treasurer Sandra Bloomfield.
According to the report, attorneys found evidence supporting Hess’ claim that Bloomfield used an expletive toward a township contractor during a one-on-one meeting with Hess in January 2025. Hess forwarded the incident to the board the same day.
"The staff members are still uneasy and feel that retaliation may still happen. I am asking the Board to address this in a professional manner," Hess wrote in his letter to the board.
The report also stated that Bloomfield discussed Hess’ performance during an open board meeting without first moving to a closed session. She alleged he resisted governance, failed to focus on public service, and spread misinformation about Freedom of Information Act costs. Township attorneys later determined the FOIA costs were accurate, and Bloomfield submitted a written apology.
Hess Sought a Buyout in February 2025
On February 24, 2025, Hess formally requested to negotiate a buyout and severance for the remainder of his contract.
"Given the recent circumstances and in the interest of an amicable resolution that serves the best interest of all parties, I believe it will be mutually beneficial to enter discussions regarding the terms of my departure," Hess wrote.
The board voted 5-2 to release the report in December 2025. At the time, Treasurer Bloomfield expressed concern about potential legal liability from making the document public.
In an email to WOODTV, Bloomfield called the report "a localized weapon of mass distraction."
"If Mr. Hess genuinely encountered a ‘hostile work environment,’ he had the absolute right to resign at any point. He didn’t," Bloomfield said. "Meanwhile, I’ve been bullied, subjected to retaliatory investigations, and threatened with recall for asking questions."
Supervisor Martin Dismisses Report’s Validity
Township Supervisor Ben Martin, who voted against both Hess’ termination and the payout, criticized the investigation’s methodology.
Martin told WOODTV the report was "not worth the money" because it was not conducted under oath and relied on anonymous witnesses. Six township employees were interviewed, but their names were withheld due to fears of retaliation.
"Employee statements included in this report were corroborated by at least one other witness. Statements of employees were generally consistent with one another. I found every Township Employee’s testimony to be credible and their fear for their jobs and concerns about retaliation by members of the Board to be sincerely held," the report stated.
Lawsuit Challenges the Payout
The payout remains under legal challenge. Comstock Township resident Dena O’Connor filed a lawsuit in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court (Case No. 2026-0425-CZ) seeking to block the payment.
The lawsuit does not seek money damages. Instead, it asks a judge to determine whether the township has the authority to make the payment and to preserve public funds until a determination is made.
Circuit Court Judge Curtis J. Bell signed an order on June 9 for the board to appear in court regarding injunctive relief. A hearing is scheduled for August 1.
The four board members who voted to fire Hess and approve the payout—Clerk Nicole Beauchamp, Trustee Kristie Cherry, Trustee Terry McIver, and Trustee Bob Pratt—did not respond to requests for comment. Trustee Jerry Amos also declined to comment. Treasurer Sandra Bloomfield referred inquiries to Township Attorney Robert Thall, who also declined to comment.