NEW PALESTINE — Tensions between the New Palestine Town Council and clerk-treasurer appear to be intensifying, with council members accusing the clerk of flouting town rules.
Relations have become so contemptuous that law enforcement and lawyers are now involved.
The council censured Clerk-Treasurer Tonii Pyle last week, accusing her of obstructing their attempts to run the town after the council began investigating then-town manager Dave Book, Pyle’s father-in-law. The council fired Book on March 18, the same day it voted to censure Pyle.
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Then, at a meeting on Thursday, March 26, they called out Pyle again and scolded her for violating an emergency order they put in place last week due to the coronavirus.
Council president Brandee Bastin said Pyle blatantly ignored an emergency rule that prohibited anyone from bringing another person into town hall.
They accused Pyle of allowing Becky Hilligoss, the town’s former clerk-treasurer, and a small child to enter town hall on two different days and letting them stay in her office for several hours, Bastin said during the meeting.
Bastin declared a state of emergency for seven days on Thursday, March 19. At the meeting on Thursday, it was extended, and Bastin told Pyle she expected Pyle to adhere to the rules.
Bastin had sent an email to all town employees, council members and the clerk-treasurer listing the restrictions when the order was first put in place.
“It stated clearly only employees were allowed to enter the premises,” Bastin said. “The only exception is town council meetings per state law, so it’s clear what it means and it needs to be enforced.”
Bastin was so taken back by Pyle’s actions the she had the chief of police, Bob Ehle, issue a no-trespassing warning to Hilligoss, who was informed she’ll run the risk of arrest if she violates the emergency order again.
“Unfortunately, the clerk-treasurer is showing little interest in working with the council,” councilman Bill Niemier said.
Gregg Morelock, town attorney, noted Pyle could be running the risk of legal issues if she violates the emergency order again. Morelock supported the council’s action.
Pyle has hired her own attorney, and both were present at the Thursday meeting. Both declined to answer questions from the Daily Reporter.
