The City of Cumby announced today the resignation of Mayor Amber Lyn Hardy, effective June 2, 2025. Hardy was sworn in as Mayor just 6 months ago on November 12th, 2024, after being reelected. The resignation follows a period of controversy involving Hardy.
The accusations against Hardy comes, primarily from the "Watchdog News Network," and is in regards to alleged financial misconduct. The Watchdog News Network claimed Hardy wrote herself a $5,000 check from city funds and later made two separate deposits to the city's Water and Sewer Fund in an apparent attempt to cover up the "loan."
In response to the Watchdog's reporting, Amber Hardy reportedly filed an affidavit asserting that the local Watchdog reporter required an immediate mental health evaluation, claiming the reporting had "caused a climate of fear inside the City of Cumby" and that investigative journalists were arrested just 30 minutes prior to a council meeting where Hardy anticipated being exposed.
Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Phipps will assume mayoral duties until a successor is elected in November 2025.
The City extended its gratitude to Mayor Hardy for her commitment and care for the residents of Cumby.
In accordance with Texas Local Government Code for Type A General Law Municipalities, the City Council will schedule a mayoral election in November to fill the unexpired term.
"We thank Mayor Hardy for her leadership and dedication to the City of Cumby,” said Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Phipps. “Our goal is to ensure a seamless transition and continued service to our citizens.”
Details regarding the election and candidate filing deadlines will be released through official notices at City Hall and on the City's website, as per the Texas Election Code.
