BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Bridgeport City Council voted 5-1 in favor of removing City Manager Patrick Ford from office.
Ford took his oath of office in October 2024.
Multiple issues were cited as reasons to remove Ford, including allusions to attacks on highly regarded members of the community, concerns among City of Bridgeport employees cited by council members and an investigation that went well over budget into the actions of a former employee.
Mayor Andy Lang said the cost of the investigation ballooned over the budgeted $25,000 to greater than $70,000.
Ford had suggested his removal was tied to a desire to see the results of that investigation released. Council argued that the investigation had been put on hold and could not be released.
A timeline for hiring a new City Manager is not yet clear.