A Dunnellon City Council member was censured and stripped of his vice mayor title during the May 13 meeting at City Hall.
Here’s what we know:
Who was censured?
Council member Tim Inskeep.
Why was he censured?
Council member Rex Lehmann made the motion to censure Inskeep, saying he believes Inskeep’s alleged behavior is overbearing, that he has reportedly acted inappropriately with colleagues and staff, and that the city could eventually be forced to defend itself against a lawsuit if no action is taken.
The motion was seconded and passed on a 3-1 vote, with Lehmann, council member Valerie Hanchar and Mayor Walter Green voting in favor of the censure. Inskeep voted against it.
The council, including the mayor, usually consists of five members, but one seat is currently vacant following a recent resignation.
According to city officials, a censure is a public reprimand. The city charter states it is the most severe action that can be taken against a council member.
Has a council member ever been censured before?
Yes. In 2015, former Council member Penny Fleeger was accused of hitting a staff member at a city event and was censured. Fleeger apologized but said she did not recall hitting the employee.
What else happened at the meeting?
Lehmann wanted the council to vote to prevent Inskeep from interacting with city staff, but the consensus among council members was not to move forward with that motion.
Before the censure vote, Inskeep defended himself and his record. He listed several accomplishments he said he helped achieve, including increasing staff salaries, ensuring all city-owned buildings are fire-inspected, installing security cameras at City Hall and the Public Works Department, and saving taxpayers money by limiting unnecessary spending.
Inskeep was also appointed by fellow council members as the city’s liaison to monitor the cleanup following the Feb. 1 fire involving creosote-treated railroad ties.
During his remarks, Inskeep pointed to what he described as numerous missteps by current and past city officials. One allegation was directed at Green, who angrily denied it, saying there was no proof.
Former Mayor Bill White, who was also criticized by Inskeep, told council members during his comments that they needed to take action against Inskeep.
First elected in 2022, Inskeep is up for re-election in November.
What’s next?
The council is expected to vote on a new vice mayor later this month. They also have the task of finding a replacement for the empty city council seat.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Dunnellon vice mayor Inskeep stripped of title, reprimanded by council
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
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