During the weekly work session of the Mobile City Council, Council President C.J. Small, William Carroll, and Cory Penn threatened to halt the entire agenda unless an investigation into allegations against the administration by Paul Prine was approved. Councilman Ben Reynolds expressed his support for a vote on the investigation only after discussing important details, such as the scope of the investigation.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson informed the council that two independent investigations had already been conducted by the administration in response to Prine’s allegations. These investigations were carried out by the Burr-Foreman Law firm and the City of Mobile’s Office of Professional Responsibility. Stimpson emphasized that these reports and supporting materials had been submitted to the Alabama Attorney General’s Office for review, highlighting the Attorney General’s authority in this matter.

Stimpson argued against hiring another firm for investigation, stating that it would only lengthen the process and potentially confuse matters further. She also expressed her concern about adding another opinion to the mix as it could lead to contradictory findings. However, William Carroll raised concerns about these “in house” investigations conducted by the administration, suggesting that there might be gaps or biases present due to its lack of independence from council control.

Carroll along with Small and Penn stressed upon their need for an independent investigation outside of any kind of administrative control. They warned that unless an independent review was conducted immediately, they would not support other items on their agenda.

In conclusion, while Stimpson urged caution in hiring another investigative body due to potential complications and delay in proceedings, Carroll et al remained resolute in their demand for an impartial review into Prine’s allegations against mobile city officials.