City commissioner quits, embezzlement alleged

June 15– Facing allegations of embezzlement, Savannah City Commissioner Tim Townley stepped down from the elected position he held for less than a year.

"With deep regrets and sincere apologies I hereby offer my resignation as a Commissioner of the City of Savannah effective immediately," Townley said in a letter Monday to Mayor Bob Shutt and the three remaining commissioners.

Townley, a quality control manager for Trimatic Spring who was elected last August at the age of 34, declined comment.

Fun and Sun Pools Inc., a nonprofit association which maintains a community pool facility on prestigious College Street, on Monday filed a civil action against Townley in Hardin County General Sessions Court.

The suit states a claim of "conversion of property" less than $25,000.

The roster of around 46 members reads like a veritable "Who’s Who" of Savannah, including judges, law enforcement, mayors, attorneys, bankers and insurance agents.

Tuesday, no criminal complaint was on file at the Savannah Police Department.

Fun and Sun President Bruce Williams, who replaced Townley as president, did not return a phone call requesting comment.

Savannah City Manager Garry Welch was not immediately available for comment.

(Read more on this story in Wednesday night's print edition.)