Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams is under an independent investigation after the City Council temporarily restricted his access to city funds, vehicles and nonpublic municipal facilities amid questions about his spending, city officials said.
The council approved the restrictions in a 5-0 vote July 17 after a specially called meeting that included about three hours in executive session. The resolution suspended Williams’ city-issued purchasing and fuel cards, use of city vehicles and access to nonpublic areas. It requires staff communications, reimbursements and travel purchases involving the mayor to go through the city manager.
WSB-TV reported city staff suspected Williams used municipal credit cards for personal expenses. However, the city’s official statement did not identify specific transactions and stressed that the measures are administrative, not a finding of misconduct. A neutral investigator will determine whether any actions under review complied with applicable law, city policy and the Stockbridge Charter.
Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander said the city hired a third-party investigator July 21 to determine how much money was spent, what it purchased and whether the spending was authorized. Alexander said the review should take 30 to 45 days and will not interrupt city services.
Williams said he has taken legal action to ensure the city follows a fair, open and transparent process. He welcomed an independent inquiry but argued that officials should not reach conclusions or impose punishment before establishing the facts and allowing him to respond.
Williams remains Stockbridge’s mayor and may preside over council meetings. The restrictions will remain in place until the council modifies or rescinds them, while officials have said they will withhold detailed allegations during the investigation.
