By Bonnie Culverhouse

In a unanimous move, members of the Minden City Council voted to terminate Lt. Christopher Hammontree’s time with the Minden Police Department Monday night, following an internal investigation arising from his conduct that occurred on or about May 23, 2025.

At the request of Hammontree and his counsel Pamela Breedlove, council members convened in executive session to discuss Chief Jared McIver’s request for termination.

After around one hour and 20 minutes, council members, Hammontree, Breedlove and McIver returned to council chambers and, with no explanation, voted for termination.

District E Councilman Andy Pendergrass made the motion for the termination, along with furnishing Hammontree and the Fire and Police Civil Service Board with “a statement in writing of the actions taken and complete reasons therefore.”

District A Councilman Carleton “Buddy” Myles seconded the motion.

In other business, the council voted to do the following:

• Adopt the 2025-2026 City of Minden budget;

• Authorize closure of an existing bank account and the opening of a new bank account for the City of Minden, as well as transfer of all exiting funds to the new account;

• Reschedule the Minden City Council September 2025 regular session due to Labor Day; and

• Budget, fire and police reports.

At the beginning of the meeting, the mayor and  council presented proclamations to Minden 8U, 10U and 12 U All-Stars.