Laurens City Council approves emergency ordinance on investigative safeguards; mayor recuses

The Laurens City Council approved Ordinance 12‑22‑25 on first reading at a special-called meeting on Dec. 23, 2025. The emergency ordinance establishes investigative procedures, temporary financial safeguards, communication protocols, continuity measures, independent legal authority and referral authority to address credible allegations involving the mayor or senior appointed officials.

A council member speaking for the record described the ordinance as a safeguard policy rather than an accusation of wrongdoing, saying the measure is intended to "provide checks and balance within the city" and comparing the approach to "car insurance" that prepares the city to respond if "something unexpected happens." Legal counsel Miss Boseman reminded the council that an ordinance is enacted under state law and typically requires two public readings separated by a statutory interval (counsel described "traditionally 2 public readings with 6 days in between").

Because the ordinance pertains to the mayor's office, the mayor announced he would "refrain from debate or or taking part in any vote on it." The council held a roll-call vote; Mr. Bolton voted no, and Mr. Whitmire, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Sullivan and Miss Miller voted yes. The chair announced the ordinance approved on first reading.

The transcript does not record scheduling of a second reading; legal counsel's remarks on the record indicate the ordinance will need to follow the statutory process for enactment before becoming effective.