The Borough of Macungie in Lehigh County is currently facing not one, but two lawsuits.

It’s being sued by the mayor, and two members of its own police department, and just as the Borough begins to prepare its legal defense, a council member is resigning.

In the 19-page lawsuit filed in federal court, Sgt. Travis Kocher and Cpl. Michael Mullen allege they suffered retaliation and defamation at the hands of Macungie Borough. Mullen spoke with us about the dispute, specifically between them and Councilman Ron Karboski, at the Council meeting on November 26th.

“We conducted an investigation on an incident that Councilman Karboski was a complainant in. He was not happy with the end result of that investigation. Our mayor deemed the matter closed. He is not happy with that determination. That’s why we’re here today,” said Mullen at the Nov. 26th meeting.

At that meeting, the Borough voted 6 to 1 to authorize its own investigation into the police department, and to take away oversight power from the mayor and give it to the council instead. Mayor Robert Sell is now suing the Borough, claiming that move was a violation of Pennsylvania law, but at that November meeting, attorney Christopher Gerber argued they did nothing illegal.

“These recommendations have nothing to do with Mr. Karboski or some intent to control. Rather, the Borough is complying with the law,” said Garber at the Nov. 26th meeting.

But Kocher and Mullen believe the investigation into the department was pure retaliation, and their lawsuit claims it diminished their pension value. Mullen expressed his frustration in a Council meeting earlier this month.

“At this point in time, I’m embarrassed to be a Borough employee, for the way this Council treats people,” said Mullen at the Council meeting on May 4th.

In the midst of all the legal action, Karboski is now announcing his resignation but saying it had nothing to do with the lawsuits. In a letter submitted to Council, he wrote, “I have recently accepted a position that would create a conflict with serving in any municipal role.”

The Board is expected to accept Councilman Karboski’s resignation at the meeting Monday night starting at 7:30 p.m. We asked Karboski for a comment, but he never responded. Mullen and Kocher simply told us they’re sorry it had to come to this, but that they stand by the lawsuit as filed.