The Village of South Russell council voted Dec. 29 to adopt a resolution declaring "no confidence and no trust" in the mayor, following a multi‑page resolution read in council that lists a series of alleged unauthorized actions.

The resolution, introduced and read in parts by council members, alleges the mayor met privately with a former employee who had resigned amid a disciplinary matter and offered reinstatement without notice to council; negotiated or approved terms of contracts for fire and EMS services and other agreements without prior council authorization; engaged in hiring‑related communications and actions contrary to established procedures; and accepted match grant funding (the resolution references a minimum $200,000 match and describes the total project as at least $600,000 and potentially more than $1,000,000) without council approval. The text also asserts that the mayor sent communications to a majority of a committee by text requesting action, which council said contravened Ohio’s sunshine laws.

Council members voted to waive further readings and then moved to adopt the resolution; roll call votes in the meeting were recorded as affirmative by multiple named members and the motion carried. After the vote the mayor spoke briefly: "With my voice, try to do what is best for the residents. I look forward to addressing each and every one of these statements..." Council leadership advised the mayor that discussion could not occur at that moment and the meeting moved to adjournment.

The resolution’s adoption is a formal expression of council’s lack of confidence; the resolution urges village residents to consider the actions of the mayor going forward. The resolution text and its allegations reference several specific incidents and dates; council indicated it will pursue follow‑up as appropriate.