Cohutta, Georgia – Mayor Ron Shinnick resigned days after attempting to dissolve the town’s entire police department in a move that triggered backlash from local officials and drew national attention.
Shinnick, who had served as mayor of the small north Georgia town since 2014, submitted a resignation letter effective immediately on May 15. In the letter, he cited family health concerns and said stepping down was in “the best interest of both the town and myself at this time.”
The resignation followed Shinnick’s controversial decision earlier this month to fire Cohutta’s police chief and all 10 officers. Residents were briefly informed through a public notice that emergency calls should instead be directed to county authorities.
The dispute reportedly stemmed from tensions between officers and the mayor’s wife, Pam Shinnick, the town’s former clerk. According to local reporting, officers had raised concerns regarding her access to payroll systems and allegations of a hostile workplace environment after she was dismissed earlier this year.
Cohutta’s town council later held an emergency meeting and voted to reinstate the police department. The town attorney argued the mayor’s actions violated procedures outlined in the town charter. Council members also discussed demanding Shinnick’s resignation before he stepped down voluntarily days later.
The town council is expected to appoint an interim mayor while officials determine next steps for local leadership.
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