File photo / Chattanooga Times Free PressEAST RIDGE, TN (WRCB) -- In a surprise vote, the East Ridge City Council has dismissed City Attorney John Anderson.
It was a marathon meeting that lasted more than four hours Thursday evening. The vote was not taken until the very end and with no discussion.
Council members voted three to two on the issue. Newly elected member Mark Gravitt, Vice Mayor Jim Bethune, and Denny Manning all voted to oust Anderson, who has been with the city for more than five years.
The meeting abruptly ended after the vote, with Mayor Brent Lambert telling the council the decision not to discuss Anderson's dismissal was "bush league".
Councilman Manning said he doesn't dislike Anderson, but felt he was making too much money.
Anderson says he's proud of his time with the city, but did not make any further statement after the meeting.
City Council members will not meet again until after the first of the year.
No word on a search for a new city attorney.
Stay with www.WRCBtv.com for more on this developing story.
