WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – The Watertown City Council has voted unanimously to schedule a hearing to weigh evidence and charges against Councilman Cliff Olney.
Olney is at the center of a 2023 ethics complaint where he’s accused of disclosing confidential information. The complaint was originally brought forth by former Mayor Jeff Smith.
Watertown Ethics board upholds original recommendation as Olney doesn’t attend hearing
An ethics board originally found Olney to be in violation of city code and general municipal law. A second ethics hearing was given where was allowed a chance to defend himself. However, he did not show up once he found that meeting would go into executive session.
During the council meeting, Olney wanted to table the vote until an attorney was found by the city. However, the council decided to move forward.
A hearing date has yet to be scheduled. At that hearing, the council will look at the evidence and decide what should be done next.