By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter
It's official; there will be an investigation into allegations that the Rexburg City Council violated open meeting laws when they appointed Richard Woodland to finish former Mayor Shawn Larsen's term.
Special Prosecutor, Penny North Shawl, from Bonneville County was appointed to the case by Judge Greg Moeller.
The allegations go back to a city council meeting earlier this month when Councilman Richard Woodland was appointed to finish the remaining two years on Larsen's term. Larsen resigned in September to take a job in Utah. Woodland was appointed by members of the city council.
A week after the meeting Madison County resident, Maria Nate, mailed letters to the state and county accusing the council of violating Idaho open meeting laws.
The county's most recent response to Nate states, 'Though not deciding whether or not a violation did or did not occur, we do believe your provided facts offer sufficient information to proceed with a further investigation.'
"This is not about who was selected as mayor," Nate said. "I have nothing against Mayor Woodland, I'm sure he's a good person. This is about the process, the council needs to understand they cannot do this behind closed doors."
Madison County Deputy Prosecutor, Troy Evans, says he's received 20 calls and 5 letters about the Nov. 4th meeting. Now that Penny North Shawl has been appointed special prosecutor, Evans will turn the investigation over to her.
The court order also shows that North Shawl will receive $60/per hour by Madison County to conduct the investigation.
