News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Algood Mayor Scott Bilbrey has resigned from his office.
Bilbrey submitted his official resignation letter to News Talk 94.1 around 1:00 p.m. Friday.
“I am stepping down from my position as mayor, in order to allow the city and council to regain their focus,” Bilbrey said. “It is my opinion that the integrity of the council with regards to conducting open meetings has been jeopardized by the actions of the remaining council members who have decided to operate outside the parameters of the charter, ethics ordinance, and State Law to promote their own personal agenda.”
Bilbrey’s resignation letter states that he chose to resign after he received a petition Monday to appear in chancery court on November 13th.
The petition, filed by Algood Councilwoman Carolyn Norris and Vice Mayor Kirk Dyer, requested a judge to compel Bilbrey to attend all city council meetings. The petition also requested a change to the city charter to allow two council members to conduct meetings. The city charter states that three members are required to conduct business.
The petition was filed after Bilbrey missed the September and October city council meetings, leaving the council without a quorum to conduct city business. In his resignation letter, Bilbrey said he missed those meetings due to health reasons and a family event.
Bilbrey said he’s currently on medical leave from his job at the Tennessee Highway Patrol, which prevents him from participating in secondary employment.
“If I do violate my workplace rules then I am subject to be terminated,” Bilbrey said. “If fail to appear in court I could be found in contempt and lose my job anyway. I’m left with no choice but to resign.”
Bilbrey’s resignation leaves the city council with only two members. Councilwoman Jennifer Green resigned nine months ago and Councilman Richard Heard unexpectedly resigned in September. The council has yet to fill those positions.
“I want to encourage every single citizen in Algood that has a legal right to vote to go out in this next election and clean house,” Bilbrey said. “We can’t do any better if we always accept what we’ve always had. Here is your chance to make your town better and to be proud of where you are from.”
Bilbrey’s resignation is effective immediately.
