NATCHEZ— Natchez Fire Chief Aaron Wesley was placed on paid administrative leave 38 days ago, but Mayor Darryl Grennell said a decision on Wesley’s future employment could come as early as the next aldermen meeting.

Grennell placed Wesley on administrative leave with pay on Aug. 24 after complaints filed against Wesley in the city’s human resources department.

Ventris Green was appointed interim fire chief in Wesley’s absence.

Grennell said he only is allowed to suspend an employee with pay, and it’s now up to the board of aldermen to decide the matter.

Grennell said this is the longest paid suspension he has seen as mayor.

“It’s the first time I’ve experienced it as mayor for this long, but ultimately it’s the board’s decision,” Grennell said. “I can suspend an employee with pay, but only the board can suspend someone without pay.”

The next scheduled meeting of the board of aldermen is 11 a.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chambers at 115 S. Pearl St.