Lincoln council amends censure to remove Councilman William Lawrence from committees, bar him from mayoralty

The Lincoln City Council voted to amend Resolution 22-113 to remove Councilman William Lawrence from all city and regional committees and bar him from serving in any City Council office, including mayor or vice mayor, for the balance of his term.

Council members said the amendment responded to repeated incidents they said undermined trust and the city’s ability to represent itself to regional partners. During the meeting, Lawrence disputed the characterization and said he did not support the action, calling the proceedings “a hit job.” He then recused himself from the remainder of the discussion and did not participate in the vote.

Supporters of the amendment described episodes they said showed a pattern of unprofessional conduct that risked the city’s reputation and hindered collaborative work with partners and staff. One council member said the behavior had created concern that Lawrence would not carry forward council-approved policy at regional tables. Public commenters from District 4 urged continuing the censure; one resident told the council she wanted the censure to remain in place because the conduct continued.

Mayor and council members read the amended section aloud in open session before taking a voice vote. Staff confirmed the administrative language provides for replacing Lawrence on committees with council members in good standing for the balance of the term.

The measure passed by voice vote. The adopted amendment states that Councilman William Lawrence "is hereby removed from all city and regional committees and commissions to be replaced by council members in good standing for the balance of term and office" and "shall not be permitted to serve in any office of the City Council, including but not limited to mayor or vice mayor." The council also committed to returning later this year with a proposed council code-of-conduct document to guide future behavior standards.

Next steps: the clerk and city manager’s office will implement committee reassignment and update committee rosters; the council said it will schedule code-of-conduct work sessions for public and council input.