Moweaqua, IL (WAND) – Former Moweaqua Mayor Shawn Conlin resigned on February 18 amid controversy over the village’s budget.

“Here’s my letter of resignation, but it is not from pressure from this group,” said Conlin. “I’m resigning because the climate and the opinions of some of the board members do not align with my goals and priorities.”

During a special meeting Saturday, Angela Locke was appointed acting mayor by the board. She previously served as finance committee chair on the board.

“The question is: How did it happen? Because in my opinion, it’s starting to be fraudulent, with the number of hours that were accrued, but nothing was done,” said Locke during a finance meeting.

After discovering the comp and overtime budgets were overspent, Village Auditor Kevin Buckley recommended the board make budget cuts to avoid what he said would be a financial disaster.

“What’s changed is the acceleration of the police, as a percentage of your overall expenditures has increased dramatically in the last year and nine months. It isn’t feasible to keep growing the police budget,” said Buckley.

Locke said she never imagined she would become mayor and is determined to work with colleagues and solve the obstacles the village has faced.