NKY mayor officially resigns amid questions about misusing public funds, equipment

WALTON, Ky, (WKRC) – After more than a week of speculation, Walton Mayor Gabe Brown officially resigned/retired tonight effective March 31 amid ongoing questions surrounding possible misuse of public funds.

In a fiery speech at the start of Wednesday's special city council meeting that Quoted Theodore Roosevelt, as well as musician Wyclef Jean, Brown announced he was leaving the office after six years effective Sunday.

"I reluctantly do so in an attempt to spare the city I love from becoming sideshow-esque fodder for the media and town gossips,” he said before storming out of the meeting.

Brown previously told council last week his intention to resign, with council also launching an investigation into possible misuse of the city credit card.

Local 12 obtained those credit card bills attached to a separate lawsuit over open records.

The council also voted unanimously Wednesday to issue Brown a formal reprimand for misusing city property, most notably using the city plow to clear someone's driveway and receiving personal payment for it.

Brown apparently took exception with some of those on council, while hinting he may run again in November.

"Some of you shouldn't be allowed to vote, much less be in an elected office. I wish I could say I enjoyed working with you, but I'd be lying,” he said at the end of his speech.

Brown declined further comment outside the meeting, saying he had said all he intended to inside.

He issued his resignation in writing to all six council members making it official.

Council now has 30 days from their next meeting on Monday to pick an interim mayor who will serve until November, when a special election will be held to fill out the final two years of Brown's term.