A wave of sudden leadership changes has sent ripples through the City of Beggs after a special City Council meeting Monday evening, April 28, called by newly elected Mayor Roger Merrill, led to the termination of the city’s police chief and longtime attorney – and left citizens with more questions than answers.
In what some attendees described as a swift and unexpected meeting, the council emerged from executive session and quickly moved to approve a series of sweeping personnel actions. Among those present were council members Cody Burton (Ward 1), Cindy Hubbell (Ward 3), Rick Roberts (Ward 2) and Kenneth Lyons (Ward 4). Lyons voted against the terminations and new appointments.
The executive session addressed six items, each involving high-level city personnel, and the decisions came with immediate effect.
Approved actions included:
• Appointment of Angela Bonilla, J.D., as new City Attorney
• Termination of City Attorney Heath Mueller
• Termination of Police Chief Brian Radford
• Appointment of Clifton Ramsey as Interim Police Chief
• Hiring of Trevor Fisher for an unspecified role within the city
• Replacement of Emergency Management Director Rick Mitchell with Bobby Tollette No specific reasons for the terminations were publicly disclosed during the meeting, and city officials declined to comment following the session. However, individuals familiar with the matter claim those terminated may have received prior notice almost two weeks prior – raising questions about the purpose and timing of the special session.
Chief Radford, a fixture in the department for years, has not released a statement as of press time. Mueller, likewise, has not issued public comment, though sources close to the situation suggest more details may come to light in the days ahead.
In addition to the personnel changes, the Council also:
• Approved the use of key fobs for gas and diesel tanks at City Hall and BPWA tanks – a move meant to enhance accountability in fuel distribution with minimal additional cost to the city (aside from electric usage).
• Rescinded previously approved funds that had been allocated in January for the purchase of a digital communications console intended for the Fire Department, Police Department and Dispatch services.
Another item on the agenda – the appointment of Josey Adkinson to the Ward III Council seat did not move forward, as the citizen reportedly declined the nomination.
The abrupt changes, particularly the removal of public safety and legal leadership, have stirred unease in the community.
It remains unclear whether the appointment of interim Police Chief Clifton Ramsey is temporary or a prelude to permanent installation.
Community members are urging the City Council to provide clarity at the next regular session and are hopeful more details will be shared in the weeks to come.
For now, Beggs finds itself in a period of transition – and citizens are watching closely.
Beggs City Council regular meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Agendas are posted at City Hall. Though the City of Beggs has a website, there are no agendas listed for previous meetings or the minutes.
