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New Carrollton Council Removes Mayor After Hiring‑Freeze Allegations

The 4–1 council vote forces the mayor pro tem to serve while a special election must be held within 65 days, creating an immediate legal fight over whether the ousted mayor can run.

Overview

  • The New Carrollton City Council voted to remove Mayor Phelecia E. Nembhard by a 4–1 margin, ending her time in office and prompting a tense, disorderly meeting.
  • Council members say Nembhard rehired two former employees despite a council‑mandated hiring freeze, an allegation she denies and calls a personal attack.
  • Officials say the city manager resigned after warning that the rehiring was unlawful, and that resignation prevented the rehired staff from receiving city keys and accounts.
  • Supporters of the former mayor confronted council members during and after the vote and at least one attendee was escorted out by police.
  • The mayor pro tem is serving temporarily, a special election must be scheduled within 65 days, and the unresolved charter question over the former mayor’s eligibility could lead to legal or procedural review.