Appeal lodged by ex-Mayor Mark Christopher at Boone County Circuit Court in an effort to regain his former position in Williamstown
In a legal battle that has been unfolding since April 21, 2025, former Williamstown Mayor Mark Christopher has filed an appeal against the Williamstown City Council. The appeal, currently under review in Boone County Circuit Court, aims to reverse the council's decision to dismiss Christopher from his position.
The appeal was presented at the Boone County courthouse on Monday morning before Judge J.R. Schrand. Christopher's legal team, led by Attorney Luke Morgan, argued that the City Council had acted illegally by executing a resolution and voting on it in an executive or closed session, in violation of the law.
However, the City Council's attorney, Greg Voss, refuted these arguments. While Attorney Morgan cited certain KRS standards in support of his case, Voss contended that these standards were incorrectly applied.
The crux of Christopher's argument lies in the claim that the City Council failed to follow the law with respect to properly noticing the hearing. He also asserted that the council did not meet their burden of proof that he was willfully neglectful by "failing to report to them."
In response to these allegations, Voss stated that there was no evidence presented in the council meeting presided over by Judge Steven Bates. However, Morgan claimed that there was evidence to support Christopher's case.
Christopher provided Judge Schrand with KRS 83A.130(3) and Williamstown's ordinance, which he claims show he had given annual and monthly reports to the council. He also argued that the city council violated KRS 61.810(1)(f) by adjourning into an executive or closed session without a motion or a vote.
Christopher further stated that he had dealt promptly with employees caught stealing from the City of Williamstown. Both sides claimed to be correct in their statements.
Judge Schrand has indicated that he will review the transcript and video of the original meeting before issuing an order, which will be issued in several weeks. He has also requested an oral argument from each side of the issue.
The current status of the appeal remains ongoing, with the public awaiting a decision from Judge Schrand that could potentially reinstate Mark Christopher as the Mayor of Williamstown. Further information about the reasons for Christopher's dismissal by the City Council or the precise arguments each side is making in this case are yet to be disclosed.
- The appeal, which centers around the claim that the City Council violated policy-and-legislation in Boone County, Kentucky, by executing a resolution in a closed session, is currently ongoing in Boone County Circuit Court.
- The dispute between former Mayor Mark Christopher and the Williamstown City Council, concerning the proper notification and meeting procedures of the City Council, has captured the interest of general news in the region, with a decision from Judge Schrand potentially reinstating Christopher as the Mayor of Williamstown.
