City Court Clerk Edward C. Hammonds has resigned his position effective Aug. 1, according to a statement released this afternoon by the City of Chattanooga.

Mayor Ron Littlefield is expected to to submit a replacement for city council consideration within 30 days, according to the statement.

City spokesman Richard Beeland said Mr. Hammonds had been put on leave July 3 pending an internal investigation.

Mr. Beeland said Mr. Hammonds was under review because of “personnel issues,” but he declined to comment on the nature of those issues.

Mr. Hammonds wrote in his resignation letter dated today that he is resigning because of some “inappropriate decisions” and does not want his decisions to “reflect negative on the position or the City of Chattanooga.”

“I offer my sincere apologies to you, the Council, my staff and citizens of Chattanooga for having misrepresented your trust,” Mr. Hammonds wrote.

As clerk, Mr. Hammonds was responsible for directing all aspects of the city court, including the supervision of personnel and the collection of all money the court receives from the payment of items such as traffic tickets.

“The clerk shall ensure that all necessary preparations are made to conduct orderly, professional, efficient and expedient court sessions in City Court,” the city’s Web site states.

The position is a city chartered position appointed by the mayor and requires city council approval.

Mr. Hammonds was appointed to the position in 2000, according to the Web site.

For complete coverage, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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