JASPER, Fla. — The Jasper City Council will continue the investigation into former city manager Charles Williams, despite his resignation last month.

According to a letter from Shannon Kelly, of Allen Norton & Blue, PA, she halted the investigation until the board gave her further direction.

“In ordinary circumstances, Mr. Williams’ resignation would likely signal the end of an investigation,” Kelly wrote in an email to City Attorney Rhett Bullard.

In the letter, Kelly stated that Jennifer Hightower also made allegations against Vice Mayor Gerald Lewis and members of the council.

Hightower made allegations that Williams threatened her with a gun. She said she was threatened April 5 by Williams, who was carrying a gun, in a holster at City Hall.

Bullard asked the council at its June 11 meeting if it wished to continue the investigation.

He said the current estimated cost for the investigation is at $5,000 due to numerous public information requests that the firm had to research and respond to.

Bullard estimates the final cost to be closer to $9,000 instead of the $6,000 originally estimated.

He said not investigating the new allegations could put the city at risk.

The investigation is expected to be concluded in 30 days.

The city also received an offer to help find a new city manager from the Senior Advisor Program with Florida City and County Management Association

Buz Eddy offered the services of the Senior Advisor Program to the board.

“We can help you find an interim city manager,” Eddy said. “We can help you with the selection process. We can help you with the advertisement.”

This is a group of volunteers that help find city managers for other municipalities at no cost to the municipalities.

The council agreed to accept the help from the Senior Advisor Program.

The council plans to offer $40,000 with no benefits and 20 hours a week for up to a year for an interim city manager until a permanent one is found.