Statement on citation of former mayor

We are continuing to see allegations that the city manager had the former mayor arrested. We would like to put clarity on this event:

The City Council had a properly noticed meeting for April 10th, 2025. 

The beginning portion of the meeting was a closed executive session to discuss potential litigation with our attorney. Earlier in that day, we had received a call from an attorney representing Ms. Lambert. Subsequently, Ms. Lambert emailed us and stated that she "will be sitting at the dais and running the meeting as usual". 

Obviously, both things could not happen. We considered canceling the meeting to consider our options. But we had things that are important on that agenda. Business we needed to conduct. We called the Lincoln County Sheriff and asked what would be our options. Upon discussion with county counsel, he asked the city to provide an 'exclusion order'. This order was given to Ms. Lambert when she arrived. It simply says that she cannot enter city hall representing herself as anything other than a general citizen. Now, as an aside, we respect and encourage Ms. Lambert to avail herself of legal counsel to address her concerns regarding the Council actions taken. That is how it SHOULD work. We are a country of law and order. The city feels strongly and upon the advice of counsel, that in good faith we have followed the law. 

Unfortunately, Ms. Lambert chose to ignore that order and the rule of law. Instead, she insisted on forcing the issue, disrupting the city's ability to conduct the necessary business of the day. At that point, the city manager requested that the Sheriff resolve the situation so that the city could get back to work. 

We will not comment on the conversation that the Sheriff had with Ms. Lambert. We know that unfortunately, the end result was that Ms. Lambert was escorted from the room, and later the Sheriff indicated to the group that she was returning as a general citizen having been cited. 

Much like the events that lead to her expulsion from office, this did not have to happen. Ms. Lambert absolutely could have followed the law then, and again yesterday, and no consequences would have ever been taken. The entire situation is unfortunate and of her own making. 

We look forward to getting back to the orderly and lawful operations of the city.