Town leaders: Bluff City turmoil led to mayor’s resignation

BLUFF CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Town leaders in Bluff City say weeks of conflict between former Mayor and Town Manager Jeff Broyles helped spark his resignation late Wednesday evening .

The Board of Mayor and Alderman appointed resident and former naval officer Michelle Roberts as interim town manager at a special called meeting on Oct. 9 , effectively forcing Broyles out of his position as town manager.

A few hours later, Broyles resigned his position as mayor.

Current Alderwoman Lori Staton told News Channel 11 in a statement:

“He made that decision based on the mounting evidence presented to him relating to improper conduct, creating a hostile work environment for the city employees, and efforts to silence the citizens of the town by imposing restrictions on public comments at board of mayor and aldermen meetings, among other issues. “

Lori Staton, Bluff City Alderwoman

Interim Town Manager Roberts agreed.

“One of the biggest events that happened was the showing at the meetings of the citizens and employees of the town and hearing their grievances against the town manager,” Roberts told News Channel 11. “They were voluminous, and they were widespread. “

The town’s publicly posted meetings include several conflicts between citizens and Broyles, and an agenda from a Sept. 30 special meeting references a complaint by a Bluff City police officer—a complaint Roberts and other town leaders say centered around Broyles.

Broyles was not present at the Sept. 30 meeting.

Per the town charter, Vice Mayor Carol Keith will serve the remainder of Broyles’ term as mayor, and while the sign outside town hall advertises the town as “under new management,” Roberts said she is not planning to serve in her role indefinitely.

“We will be on the lookout for somebody who would come in and fill it as a permanent position, so this is a short term,” Roberts said.

News Channel 11 has filed a Freedom of Information Act Request for Broyles’ personnel file and for the police complaint and is still waiting for a response from the town.

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