Milner council confirms mayor paid for chief's vehicle tracker

MILNER, Ga. The Milner City Council confirmed on Monday that Mayor Craig Timmons paid for a GPS tracker installed on the police chief's vehicle and a camera positioned near City Hall.

The council stated that Timmons took these steps in late August or early September after he believed personnel were mismanaging work hours. According to the council, the mayor used personal funds to buy the tracker and placed it on Chief Lamar Bunn's city-owned vehicle. He also installed a camera on private property facing the municipal building. Council members noted that Timmons did not bring the personnel concerns to the council first, a step required by the city charter.

The surveillance actions contributed to a breakdown of trust between the mayor and the police agency. The entire force, including Chief Bunn, five full-time officers, and most reserve staff, submitted their resignations. These departures take effect Wednesday.

The administrative shakeup also affected the city manager. Tausha Grose resigned from her post, with her departure taking effect Friday.

Milner is located approximately 45 miles south of Atlanta near Griffin and has a population of fewer than 1,000 residents. The Lamar County Sheriff's Office is expected to cover the city's law enforcement needs during the vacancy. Former council member Skip Seda, a longtime resident, described the situation as chaotic. He said he fears the city could eventually dissolve and plans to push for unincorporation because the city charter mandates a police department. "On the day after Oct. 30, nobody's running this city!" Seda said.

The council's explanation of the mayor's actions was brief and delivered at the Monday meeting. No further details were provided regarding the specific personnel issues Timmons observed in late summer.