A culture of fear, infighting and political ignorance is how outgoing Police Chief Kirk Trostle has described the Oroville City government.
In a scathing resignation letter given to the mayor Trostle says: "The city's culture is deeply rooted in mistrust... if a side is not chosen negative repercussions begin to occur. Retaliation, back-stabbing and a hostile working environment are the consequence."
Trostle's accusation comes in the middle of a public spat between Mayor Steve Jernigan and council member David Pittman.
Pittman has accused Jernigan of unlawful workplace harrassment and called for his resignation.
Pittman tells Action News the email was a final attempt to communicate with the mayor.
"Had the mayor responded to any of my emails, with at least some sort of information we probably could have avoided the misunderstanding," said Pittman.
Jernigan called Pittman's letter "political extortion" and said he believes personal issues are being put ahead of the city's well being.
