By admin 
COHUTTA, Ga. (WTVC) – A town is without a mayor after he resigned amid controversy over the firing of the town’s entire police department.
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After weeks of controversy surrounding the Cohutta Police Department and the former town clerk, Cohutta Mayor Rob Shinnick submitted his resignation to the town council, leaving the town in search of new leadership.
EN ESPAÑOL | Ciudad que se quedó sin policías ahora se queda sin alcalde
In January, elected officials fired town clerk Pam Shinnick, the former mayor’s wife, after employees accused her of creating a hostile work environment.
A formal complaint alleged Pam Shinnick maintained access to sensitive data and payroll systems after her termination.
In April, the police department submitted a letter about those concerns.
Shortly after the letter was sent, the city attorney said the situation between the town and the police force was mediated.
A week later, Ron Shinnick terminated the entire police department and the Whitefield County Sheriff’s Office took over.
“When I heard that there was no policeman, I’m a widow living on two acres by myself with a little tiny little dog, I was scared,” a resident said.
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During a meeting on May 9, the town council voted to reinstate the town’s police department and put some restrictions in place.
As tensions rose, the council announced the mayor had left the meeting and would not return.
“It appears that the policies and procedures of this town have not been followed this week,” Cohutta Town Attorney Bryan Rayburn said.
Three days after the town council voted to reinstate the police department, council members held a public meeting to hear residents’ concerns about Rob Shinnick and the future of the mayor’s office.
Rob Shinnick and the vice mayor did not attend the meeting, and on Friday, Rob Shinnick resigned as Cohutta’s mayor.
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The Cohutta town council is expected to hold an emergency meeting this week.