Entire Georgia police force resigns amid feud with mayor. The chief alleges secret tracking and rumors about his marriage is the reason

A small town in Georgia is facing a major shake-up after its entire full-time police department announced plans to resign, with the city manager also preparing to leave her job. The mass departure in Milner, a Lamar County community about 45 miles south of Atlanta with fewer than 800 residents, follows a growing dispute over allegations that Mayor Craig Timmons secretly placed a GPS tracker on Police Chief Lamar Bunn’s personal truck.

The situation came to a head during a City Council meeting on October 19, when City Manager Tausha Grose announced that Bunn, all five full-time police officers, and most of the volunteer reserve unit had handed in their resignations. Video of the meeting was broadcast by Fox 5 Atlanta. Grose, who had worked for the city for six years, struggled to hold back tears as she explained her decision to leave.

The mayor declined to respond to the allegations

“The trust is gone. I have been rendered ineffective in my position,” she told the council. Her final day is scheduled for October 30, while the officers are expected to finish their final shifts on October 28.

Bunn had submitted his resignation the previous Friday. During the meeting, he also addressed rumors circulating around town that he was having an affair with Grose. He firmly denied the claims and pointed to his wife, who was sitting in the audience. But the main dispute centered on allegations of surveillance.

Bunn accused Timmons of using his own money to purchase a magnetic GPS tracking device and attach it to the chief’s unmarked police pickup. He claimed the tracker was installed without approval from the City Council or the city administration. Bunn also alleged that security cameras at City Hall had been used to keep tabs on his movements.

Records obtained through open records requests indicate that officers raised concerns about interference in their work and ethical issues. Captain Craig Walton called for an independent investigation into the mayor’s conduct. Other employees also pointed to disagreements over off-duty rules and overtime.

Timmons was asked during the meeting whether he had authorized or personally installed the tracking device. He declined to comment directly on the allegation, instead expressing general regret that so many employees were leaving. He did not explicitly deny the surveillance claims.

Bunn said he had contacted an outside law enforcement agency to discuss whether the alleged tracking could amount to criminal conduct or a violation of his constitutional rights. It remains unclear what action, if any, will follow from that consultation.

The immediate concern for the town is police coverage

With the department preparing to leave, the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office has agreed to temporarily handle emergency calls and routine patrols in Milner.

The resignations have also raised questions about the town’s future. Former council member Skip Seda warned that he could start a formal petition to dissolve Milner’s municipal government if officials fail to restore stable local leadership.

Despite the dispute, Bunn expressed his affection for the community as it faces an uncertain period. For residents, the immediate concern is how the town will maintain police coverage while officials work to address the allegations and rebuild trust.