Councilor Northington urges unity after alleged attack on city manager

Councilor Barbara Northington told colleagues at the May 14 meeting that residents had informed her about a "disturbing attack on our city manager" at the previous council session and said the council should focus on rebuilding the city together.

"The council and city manager should work together as a team to accomplish goals that best meet the city's needs," Northington said, urging members to be "community champions" and to avoid pursuing individual agendas. She said council members should not "act as individuals ordering city employees" and called for collaborative problem-solving rather than internal conflict.

The comment came during the meeting's open-floor period; no formal motion or disciplinary action was introduced in response. The remark establishes an area of tension the council may address in future meetings if members choose to discuss council conduct or staff relations on the record.