The entire full-time police force in Milner, Georgia, and most of the town’s part-time volunteer officers have resigned amid disputes with city leadership. City Manager Tausha Grose also announced her resignation during a city council meeting on Monday. Police Chief Lamar Bunn accused City Hall of secretly placing a tracking device on his truck and cited broader legal and ethical disagreements. Mayor Craig Timmons acknowledged the concerns and said he hoped the situation could be resolved.
| 1) | Mass resignations leave Milner police department without its full-time force |
| 2) | Chief alleges a tracking device was placed on his truck |
| 3) | Resignation letters cite leadership and ethical conflicts |
| 4) | Mayor and police leadership face calls for review |
| 5) | Disputes over overtime were separate from resignation claims |
Mass resignations leave Milner police department without its full-time force
Milner’s entire full-time police department resigned recently, according to statements made during the town council meeting. Grose told council members that most of the department’s part-time volunteer officers had also resigned. She submitted her own resignation to the city clerk on the same day.
The departures affect policing in the small Lamar County community and followed concerns raised by officers about city leadership. The meeting provided a public account of the resignations, but officials did not announce a permanent replacement structure for the department.
Chief alleges a tracking device was placed on his truck
Bunn told the council that City Hall had secretly placed a tracking device on his truck. He said the device had been purchased with personal funds and installed without the knowledge of the city council, his supervisor or the city administrator.
“City Hall every day, it’s got a tracker on my truck, it was bought with personal funds and placed on my vehicle without the city council or my supervisor, city administrator knowing it,” Bunn said.
Bunn also said he had been falsely accused of having an affair with Grose. He described his connection to the county and local law enforcement as a reason he still hoped the situation could improve, despite his stated concerns about remaining in office.
Resignation letters cite leadership and ethical conflicts
In his resignation letter, Bunn said he was leaving because of fundamental differences with city leadership over governance, legal compliance and ethical standards. He said those differences had compromised his ability to perform his duties with integrity.
“I have determined that it is in my best interest to step down at this time due to fundamental differences regarding leadership, governance, and ethical alignment,” Bunn wrote.
Other department employees cited disagreements with the mayor and city council. Captain Craig Walton requested an investigation into Timmons, including a review of whether the mayor had violated his oath of office or the rights of city employees.
Mayor and police leadership face calls for review
Timmons acknowledged the concerns raised during the meeting and said he hoped the dispute could be resolved. The allegations against him were presented by departing police personnel, and the available account does not establish that an independent investigation has begun or that any wrongdoing has been determined.
Walton’s request would place the focus on the mayor’s conduct and the actions of city leadership. The police employees who resigned said their concerns warranted serious consideration by residents and council members.
Disputes over overtime were separate from resignation claims
Officials had disagreed over police overtime and a proposal to prohibit officers from using city vehicles for part-time work. Those policy disputes were discussed in connection with the department’s tensions with city leadership, but officials said they were not cited as the reason for the resignations.
The stated reasons in the resignation letters centered instead on leadership, governance, legal compliance and ethics. With the full-time force gone and most part-time volunteers also having resigned, Milner faces the task of addressing staffing and the unresolved allegations through its municipal leadership process.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Milner’s full-time police force resigned, along with most part-time volunteer officers. |
| 2 | City Manager Tausha Grose also submitted her resignation. |
| 3 | Chief Lamar Bunn alleged that a tracker was secretly placed on his truck. |
| 4 | Captain Craig Walton called for an investigation into the mayor’s conduct. |
Summary
Milner’s government is confronting a major staffing crisis after its full-time police force and city manager resigned. Departing officers attributed their decisions to alleged misconduct and unresolved conflicts with city leadership, while the mayor has acknowledged their concerns. The allegations remain claims raised during the council meeting, and no finding of wrongdoing was reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who resigned in Milner?
The entire full-time police force resigned, most part-time volunteer officers resigned, and City Manager Tausha Grose announced her resignation.
What did Police Chief Lamar Bunn allege?
Bunn alleged that City Hall secretly placed a tracking device on his truck using personal funds. He also said he was falsely accused of having an affair with the city manager.
What investigation was requested?
Captain Craig Walton called for an independent investigation into Mayor Craig Timmons’ conduct, including possible violations of his oath of office or employee rights.
Were overtime disputes given as the reason for the resignations?
No. Officials said disagreements over overtime and city vehicle use were separate from the reasons cited in the resignation letters.