Heather McDougall was sworn in as Troy’s new city attorney on Nov. 26, replacing Charles Evans, who had held the position off and on for the last two years. Evans announced his resignation earlier this fall due to his deteriorating hearing.
The transition comes after a tumultuous year in the small town’s government. In May, former Mayor Donald Banning was recalled after he terminated Evans without cause in February. Evans was rehired in July.
Three attorneys applied for Evans’ position earlier this fall and the four-person city council decided to hire McDougall on Nov. 21. Council members Joe Arts and Crystal Denton voted against hiring McDougall. Mayor Tony Brown cast the deciding vote. It was an unwelcomed outcome for some members of the council.
“Personally, I think (McDougall) has got way too many conflicts of interests to be city attorney,” Arts said.
McDougall represented councilwomen Fran McCully earlier this year in the effort to recall former Mayor Banning. Arts, who took office in January, was an adamant supporter of the mayor during the recall effort.