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Written by: A. Smith
Published February 10, 2026 @ 3:41 PM ET
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. – The Chickamauga City Council voted Monday night to remove Mayor Try Deck from office following a special session that centered on allegations of sexual harassment and racist language, concluding that his conduct failed to meet the standards expected of a public official.
In a statement released after the meeting, city leaders said the council reviewed testimony and evidence presented during the hearing before voting to remove Deck. Council members said the allegations raised serious concerns about workplace safety, professionalism, and the values of the city.
“The Mayor’s conduct described during the hearing does not reflect the values of our city or the standards we expect of those entrusted with public service,” the statement said. “We recognize this situation has caused division within our community, and that the allegations shared during the hearing are hurtful and disturbing. Our hope is that, now that this process has taken place and information has been shared publicly, our community can begin to heal and move forward together with mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to the values that define our city.”
Records released in response to open records requests include a voicemail the city says was accidentally left on a city employee’s phone in which Deck repeatedly used a racial slur. Additional evidence presented during the hearing included testimony from a female city employee who described what she said was a pattern of inappropriate comments and behavior by the mayor.
The employee testified that Deck repeatedly commented on her appearance, telling her she looked “hot” or like a “ho.” She recounted an incident on Dec. 31 in which the mayor allegedly made remarks about her clothing after she wore red pants to work. According to her testimony, when she told Deck the comments made her uncomfortable, he responded that he could speak to her that way because he was the mayor. She also alleged that Deck said he should be referred to as “master” or “king.”
The woman further testified that Deck touched her despite her objections and later threatened to fire her when she asked him to stop. She said another male city employee eventually escorted the mayor out of the office. Surveillance video obtained through open records requests shows the woman visibly distressed as she spoke with a coworker about the incident.
Multiple witnesses testified during the hearing that they overheard the mayor make inappropriate comments, including one instance in which he allegedly suggested the employee could be dropped off “at the corner by the red light where she could make some real money.” Witnesses said the remarks left the woman visibly upset. Some described Deck as frequently “flirty” with female employees and said he often referred to himself as “powerful” because of his position.
FOX 5 has reached out to Deck’s attorney for comment and has not yet received a response.
With Deck’s removal, Mayor Pro Tem Evitte Parrish is expected to assume the mayor’s duties. Under city leadership rules, the mayor pro tem steps in when the mayor is unable to serve.