LONDON, Ky. (WKYT) – A scheduled special meeting of the London City Council was canceled Thursday evening after only one council member attended, continuing an ongoing feud between the mayor and council.
The meeting was called after Mayor Randall Weddle canceled the council’s meeting Wednesday. The London City Council said it met Wednesday and passed ordinances to address the budget and alleged unauthorized spending.
Council alleges unauthorized hiring
The council alleges Weddle created positions and set salaries without council approval after the pay plan was reinstated in August.
Councilman Anthony Ortega said Wednesday’s meeting was legal despite the mayor’s objections.
“A quorum was there. They challenged the ruling of the chair. They appointed their own chairperson. They took a vote. That chairperson was selected. And they conducted themselves a meeting,” Ortega said.
Mayor disputes meeting validity
Weddle said Wednesday’s special council meeting was not valid and “fake.” He said he canceled the previous meeting over audio and space concerns that would have led to an Open Meetings Act violation.
“It’s important that when we hold meetings that we have adequate seating and adequate space for everybody to hear and see what the action that we are taking are,” Weddle said.
The mayor said the city would file an Open Meetings Act violation with the state over the meeting.
State audit launched
The Kentucky State Auditor’s Office is launching a special examination of London’s finances after stating it identified issues that require further review. The office did not specify what those issues are.
City officials must provide records and staff access. A report will follow the audit, and the mayor will have 15 days to respond.
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