RATHDRUM, Idaho — Mayor Mike Hill has resigned amid his involvement in a domestic battery investigation.
Saturday morning, Rathdrum police asked the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office to investigate, citing a potential conflict of interest. Deputies learned Mayor Hill was involved when they arrived at the scene.
Hill has not been arrested. The sheriff’s office continues investigating and would not provide more details.
In his resignation letter, Hill said “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of Rathdrum and appreciate the trust placed in me during my time in office.”
“The most important thing for people to know is that the staff of the city of Rathdrum are totally dedicated to providing the services that the Rathdrum citizens expect,” said Leon Duce, Rathdrum city administrator.
The mayor’s resignation comes as the city begins discussions on the city’s budget and code updates.
The Rathdrum City Council president, John Hodgkins, will take over mayoral duties until a new mayor is selected.
The city council has two options for choosing a replacement. “They can appoint someone from within the council to fill the role of mayor. If they choose not to appoint somebody from within, then they will release an application process to the public,” Duce said.
Despite the leadership change, city operations will continue. “We still have four elected officials that are at the helm. And, they will do everything in their power to make sure that it’s still running their direction, that it should be running,” Duce said.
The process of selecting a new mayor will begin at the Rathdrum City Council meeting Wednesday, May 13.
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