OAKLAND, TN (abc24.com) - He may have resigned, but the town's not letting him leave that easily. Oakland's Mayor Scott Ferguson quit office Tuesday for personal reasons, he says, but city leaders aren't convinced that's entirely true.
Ferguson told aldermen he left because of marital problems. That's hard for them to believe when they just started questioning how he spent city money. The board told him two weeks ago they had asked the state to perform an audit. Board members say that makes Ferguson's timing questionable.
According to Chris Goodman, acting mayor of Oakland, "there has been a strong public outcry for the activities of Mayor Ferguson."
Goodman plans to finish the remaining four years of the Scott Ferguson's term. His first priority is figuring out Oakland's finances.
"I'm requesting a municipal audit due to some irregular spending, or what appears to be in months of November and December."
Goodman says the board voted on the audit February 21. He's concerned about multiple charges on the mayor's credit card, saying they seem to be personal and are excessive amounts ranging from $700 to $3,500.
He expects to know more about the audit in the next month or so. He's waiting to hear back from the state comptroller to see if they'll take the case; if not, Oakland will hire a private firm.
