CHADBOURN — A chaotic emergency meeting at Chadbourn Town Hall on Saturday morning ended with the abrupt resignation of Town Attorney Mike Stephens and a heated confrontation involving Mayor Philip Britt and Councilman Danny Clewis, according to multiple witnesses present at the meeting.
The meeting was called with little public notice, and only four members of the town council were in attendance. Mayor Britt and Town Manager Jason Robinson were not involved in calling the session, according to individuals familiar with the situation.
Town Attorney Walks Out
Witnesses said the council entered a closed session shortly after convening. During that session, Stephens left the meeting room and exited the building. When Mayor Britt returned to the public area, he informed those present that the town attorney had resigned.
Britt told attendees that Stephens believed the council was acting improperly in how the meeting was conducted. No official documentation of the resignation has yet been released by the town.
Tensions Escalate Outside Town Hall
Following the closed session, tensions spilled outside onto the front porch of the building. Several witnesses reported a confrontation involving Clewis, Mayor Britt, and Police Chief Ken Elliott. At one point, bystanders stepped in to separate individuals as voices rose.
Chief Elliott later issued a brief statement saying he remains the chief of police and that his department “will continue to do all it can to protect the people of Chadbourn.”
Town Manager Already Set to Depart
The turmoil comes just days after Town Manager Jason Robinson submitted notice of his retirement, effective March 31. His departure, combined with the attorney’s resignation, leaves two key leadership positions in flux.
Questions Surround Purpose of the Meeting
The emergency meeting’s purpose has not been formally clarified by the town. The council has limited authority over personnel matters, and only the town manager can hire or fire police officers, including the chief. The town has not released an agenda or minutes for the session.
Ongoing Scrutiny of Town Leadership
The incident occurs amid growing concerns about political infighting and allegations of interference in police matters. The Police Benevolent Association has previously raised questions about whether elected officials have attempted to influence law enforcement operations. Representatives from the organization are expected to attend the town’s next scheduled meeting.
Town Has Not Released an Official Statement
As of Saturday afternoon, the Town of Chadbourn has not issued any public comment regarding the attorney’s resignation, the emergency meeting, or the confrontation involving town officials.
This is a developing story. Additional details will be published as they become available.
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