DEBARY, Fla. — DeBary city leaders could move to use taxpayer dollars to sue the mayor to get their hands on public records.
The mayor is not under investigation, but they want to see records for finances from his charity work, his social media activity, and money he spent on letters to the community.
Residents said they are growing weary hearing about the mayor and feuds at City Hall.
"I often wonder what's going down there with City Council and everyone down there,” said resident Bill Hugler.
Mayor Clint Johnson's latest project is a raft trip he is planning from Cuba to Florida.
Last week, he completed a final test of a homemade craft he plans to build when he gets to the island nation with a journalism visa.
City leaders say they have received a slew of public records requests from residents for the mayor's other ventures in the community.
"I just honestly think the whole thing is petty. He says he's giving them everything they need. They say he's not. It's one side attacking the other and I stay out of it. I'm over it,” said resident Debbie Scotta.
The mayor would not do an interview with Channel 9 because of the possible lawsuit, but in a statement said it is an attack on him and a waste of city resources and attention.
The statement read, “I would urge the members of city council, city manager, and city attorney to redirect their professional efforts toward something fruitful for the residents' quality of life in our city, or step down to allow someone who will to take their place."
City leaders argued they're obligated to give residents public records and may be obligated to sue the mayor to get them.
Cox Media Group
