Attorney: Lexington Village mayor will appeal his impeachment

NEW LEXINGTON - In a vote of 5-2, New Lexington Village Council removed Mayor Kevin Ratliff from office Tuesday night.

Ratliff's attorney, Christopher Burch, said he is confident a judge would find that council had no legitimate reason for the impeachment and they would be appealing the decision.

"The allegations are totally without merit and I am just beside myself that a small village would put itself in this position," Burch said. "All this will do is cost the village more money as we pursue this through the courts."

A rowdy crowd packed council chambers Tuesday evening, and most of those in attendance were there to support Ratliff. Ratliff was elected mayor in 2015, and received a monthly salary of $650.

Representing the village council, attorney Andrew Makoski called three witnesses, who were questioned about Ratliff's involvement with village business.

Village clerk Lisa Spohn testified that Ratliff was not in attendance at many committee meetings for which he was appointed to serve. 

Finance director Heather Rockwell testified that, unlike previous mayors, there was little communication between Ratliff and the village staff. She also testified that he was not involved in the preparation of the annual budget, an obligation required of his position according to village charter. 

Village administrator Bo Powell testified that he had a good working relationship with Ratliff and Ratliff was always available if Powell had questions or concerns. 

Council members, on the other hand, have long complained that Ratliff was never available to staff or council when needed, that he failed to attend council or committee meetings when requested and failed to provide documents when requested. 

The most serious charge against Ratliff is that he failed to adequately supervise the individuals responsible for providing documents that could have cost the village grant funding totaling around $750,000.

Burch fired back citing that village charter did not require the mayor to attend committee meetings and it did not specify how the previously mentioned annual budget had to be presented.

"My client provided a verbal budget to council," Burch said. 

Burch called fire chief Jordan Hollingshead, who testified that there were issues of noncompliance with the Federal Emergency Management grants the village received recently but those issues have been resolved.

"I received a letter from FEMA stating they have received all of the documents need to put us in compliance," Hollingshead said. 

The final witness was Ratliff himself who stated that his full-time job, a lawn mowing business he owns, often kept him from being available to conduct village business and attend meetings. 

On cross examination, Makoski asked Ratliff if council had ever requested his presence at meetings, which Ratliff confirmed.

"In fact, didn't you tell council you would only be there if it was raining because you had to mow grass," Makoski said.

Ratliff admitted he had made a similar statement due to the fact that he could not mow when it was raining so he would be able to attend the meeting. On the other hand, if it was not raining he would be mowing because that's what he does for a living.

Throughout the public hearing, there were numerous outburst from community members. Many were concerned that the village was wasting taxpayer money on the proceedings to oust the mayor from office. Some accused council members of having personal conflict with the mayor.

Ultimately, Ratliff was removed from office by council pending any further court proceedings that may be filed on his behalf.

In the meantime Council President Dan Bethel, who declined to comment, will fill in as mayor. 

cschultz3@gannett.com
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