CORYDON, KENTUCKY (WFIE) -
Thursday night, council members handed the mayor of Corydon a letter, saying his conduct has damaged the city's integrity and image.
The action follows alleged neglect and misuse of public funds.
City Council members in Corydon presented Mayor Larry Thurby with a list of grievances and a letter Thursday night, starting the process of removal.
The mayor says he hasn't done anything wrong, but council members say otherwise.
It's a small town of close to 800 people, going through chaos.
"The town is divided," said resident Charlene Fredrick.
"We took the first step towards removing the mayor," City Council Member Hilda McCormick told 14 News.
To understand how we got here, we have to go back in time. In a state audit last year, more than $80,000 was missing.
Most of it was from the city's sewer fund.
The report found Mayor Thurby used city money to buy an engagement ring in 2008. The audit showed he reimbursed the city the next calendar year.
The report also showed several charges to the city's credit card to Lowes Home Improvement Store, for personal cell phone charges and a cash advance, signed by the City Clerk.
That clerk was placed on administrative leave shortly after and two other city employees were fired last year.
City Council Members say this activity shows Thurby not only mishandle funds, but is also negligent and can't manage city employees.
The mayor says the whole thing is a political witch hunt.
"I ain't done nothing wrong, I ain't done nothing wrong," persisted Mayor Thurby.
"This is not a political witch hunt, it's just to get the best bang for the mayor and the council," McCormick said.
And residents say they're just hopeful one day, things will get back to normal.
"I believe the town will move forward and our government will be structured again," Fredrick said.
There must be a unanimous vote for the mayor to be removed from office. There must also be a public hearing, and that date has not been set yet.
The mayor can also file for an appeal.
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