OOLITIC – A special meeting was held Monday at the Oolitic Town Hall to place Town Marshall James Harrington on administrative leave.
The boardroom at Town Hall was packed beyond capacity.
In a three-to-one vote with Councilman Steve Kerr, opposing Marshall Harrington was placed on administrative leave.
Councilman Kerr wanted the public to address the council before the vote.
Kerr made a motion to allow the public to speak, but that motion died due to a lack of a second.
“I think it is such an important topic to let it die,” said Kerr. “It speaks poorly of the council and the ability to communicate. I think there are people here that want to be heard. To leave them silent is a travesty.”
Kerr continued but was abruptly stopped by newly elected Council President Brenda Corey.
Several residents verbally communicated their opinions, even though the Town Council voted to restrict public input in the proceedings. They, too, were abruptly stopped.
Harrington was ordered to turn in all his equipment, which Town Marshalls Greg Hagan and Ryan Duckett will inventory and report to the council. Harrington was also forbidden to be on town property without permission from the council.
In other business, the council appointed Jon Broglin as vice president, and Greg Pittman of the Pittman-Woodward Law Firm was appointed legal council for the Town of Oolitic for 2024.
