The East Hampton Town Council has voted to eliminate the police chief’s job amid a controversy involving the town manager and allegations of sexual harassment, The Associated Press reports.
The council voted 5-1 Tuesday night in front of a crowd of more than 400 people to abolish the chief’s job to save the town money. Many residents were angry with the council and had urged members to reject the proposal.
In June, then-Town Manager Jeffrey O’Keefe ousted Police Chief Matthew Reimondo, calling it a cost-cutting move. But Reimondo claimed it was retaliation for him investigating sexual harassment complaints against O’Keefe made by three female town workers. O’Keefe resigned two weeks ago.
Town residents are vowing to force a townwide vote on whether to overturn the council’s decision.
