LAURENS, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Laurens City Council passed an ordinance on New Year\u2019s Eve that could investigate written allegations against the city\u2019s administration, despite Mayor Nathan Senn\u2019s attempts to stop the vote.<\/p>\n
Council Member Alicia Sullivan said she and other members received written allegations about the executive administration of the City of Laurens, including claims of misuse of public funds, nepotism, harassment and conflicts of interest.<\/p>\n
Senn tried to shut down a vote on the ordinance, claiming it didn\u2019t meet the basic requirements of an ordinance. Council agreed to vote anyway and narrowly passed the second reading four to three.<\/p>\n
Ordinance, 12-22-25 creates investigative procedures and financial safeguards when credible allegations surface against the mayor or senior officials.<\/p>\n
The majority of council compared having an ordinance like this to having car insurance, a policy in case something happens.<\/p>\n
Senn said the ordinance is unlawful and doesn\u2019t understand why it was brought so abruptly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf this is simply about insurance, there is no urgency, there\u2019s no need for rushed last minute holiday meetings, no private drafting of multiple versions of ordinances and no refusal to involve legal council in the process,\u201d Senn said. \u201cYou don\u2019t call emergency meetings on December 23rd and December 31st on a policy that\u2019s just a safeguard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senn said he will not sign the ordinance and is prepared to take the necessary legal action in circuit court.<\/p>\n
Sullivan said the next step is to take the allegations to SLED and the South Carolina Ethics Commission for independent review. The city attorney has also raised questions about the ordinance\u2019s legality.<\/p>\n
Stay with FOX Carolina for updates. <\/p>\n