Florence is under review
The Kansas Attorney General's office has received an inquiry regarding allegations made by a resident of Florence against elected city officials.
"I can confirm that we have received an inquiry and are reviewing that information," said Jan Lunsford, public information officer with the Kansas Attorney General's office.
The document, which has been posted on www.florenceweb.net, lists 29 alleged incidents in which the governing body has violated state law and/or local city ordinances.
Rick Burcky, an employee with the City of Florence, has filed the document with the Kansas Attorney General's office. "Copies have also been sent to Kansas Secretary of State, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Marion County Attorney," Burcky said.
The charges include a newly elected official taking office prior to the election being certified, instructing the police chief to demand monetary payment from an individual in lieu of issuing a ticket, offering monetary compensation for an employee for performing questionable practices, and others.
Among other things, the complaint addresses questionable accounting and billing practices, various violations of open meeting laws, lack of monthly balanced statements and published quarterly financial reports, violations of state regulations regarding the accumulation of rubbish and hazardous waste, and the burning of illegal materials.
Florence Mayor John Lehman said in a phone conversation Sunday that he "was unaware of the charges." Lehman had been out of town the past week and did not know whether the city had been officially notified.
City clerk Darla Gore said, "The city has not heard a word."
Marion County Attorney Susan Robson said her office had received a copy of Burcky's claims. However, "because of a conflict of interest, I forwarded the charges to the attorney general for review," she said.
During Monday night's regularly scheduled city council meeting, council member Tim Parmley tendered his resignation, saying, "The council has gotten what they wanted
He went on to say he felt he was "unable to faithfully serve the citizens of the city because the mayor and other members of the council continually exclude me from discussions."
Also at Monday's meeting the council accepted city attorney Robert Brookens' letter of resignation, effective May 1.
A week ago, city superintendent Stuart Funk resigned his position.
These charges and resignations are the latest in a controversial period for Florence, following the arrest in February of police chief Merlin Stout on two misdemeanor charges of sexual battery.
Stout was suspended by the city council, receiving pay for an eight-day period, followed by an indefinite leave without pay.
