An investigation has determined that a Utah mayor displayed aggressive and intimidating behavior that violated city policies, including tying the hands of a city employee.
An outside investigator's report found Grantsville Mayor Brent Marshall engaged in conduct that constituted "clear violations" of the city's employee code.
The 16-page report commissioned by the Grantsville City Council last year included 24 interviews. The newspaper says the city spent $5,000 on the report and $12,569 trying to prevent its release before it was obtained through a state records request.
Some of those cited in the report called Marshall an occasional "bully" who often "raise(s) his voice at others" and "puts everyone on edge" through inappropriate workplace conduct. Others said Marshall's behavior was a harmless aspect of his personality.
In interviews with investigators, Marshall said he raised his voice at city recorder Rachel Wright and put his arms on resident Susan Johnsen in his office.
Marshall also said he once zip-tied the hands of zoning and planning administrator Shauna Kertamus, but asserted that Kertamus wanted to be zip-tied and it "was all in fun."
Kertamus and Wright told the newspaper they left their jobs, in part, because of Marshall's behavior.
Marshall did not respond to a request for comment.
No one in the city about 36 miles (58 kilometers) west of Salt Lake City filed a formal complaint, but some said they hoped speaking out would improve the mayor's behavior.
The council is limited in its options toward Marshall beyond the report without a conviction on charges in state court.