Ione council votes to hire independent investigator after heated censure preliminary hearing

IONE, Calif. — The Ione City Council voted 4-0 on March 25 to hire an independent investigator to review a censure request filed by Mayor Stacy Rhodes alleging Councilmember Allison Lefane disclosed closed‑session negotiation strategy, interfered with contractors, posted derogatory social‑media comments about staff and council members, and harmed staff morale. Lefane did not participate in the vote.

City Attorney Josh Verensky had recommended a preliminary‑hearing procedure that gave the named councilmember an opening statement, allowed the complainant to present claims, provided a response period, opened public comment and then returned the matter to council for deliberation on whether to take no action, order further investigation, form an ad hoc committee, issue an admonishment, or consider a formal censure resolution. The council formally adopted that procedure before hearing testimony and statements.

Mayor Stacy Rhodes presented the complaint, saying Lefane had disclosed strategy discussed in closed session with the opposing negotiating party for the Castle Oaks property and…