The chief of police said his resignation was due to a “hostile work environment” created by a city council member who allegedly cut significant amounts of the department’s budget.

Bob Hale, the department’s chief, was the first to put in his resignation and was quickly followed by the other officers. Hale posted on Facebook on Thursday to explain his resignation as well as allege repeated harassment and personal attacks from one of the six members of McColl’s city council.

“It is with a heavy heart that I do confirm my resignation as Chief of Police of the McColl Police Department along with all four of my fellow officers,” Hale wrote. “My personal decision to step away from the McColl Police Department can be attributed to repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and the overall creation of a hostile work environment perpetuated by a specific Councilman.”

“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership. These actions have not only affected me personally but have also created a toxic atmosphere that has hindered the department’s ability to function effectively. Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through appropriate channels, the harassment and hostility have persisted,” he said.

Hale then alleged that “a significant amount of money” was cut from the department’s budget by the councilman when he arrived at his elected position.

“Despite repeated appeals for funding to modernize equipment, enhance training, and increase staffing levels to meet the needs of our community, those critical needs went unmet. This lack of investment hampered our ability to operate at the standard of citizens of the Town of McColl rightfully expect and deserve,” he said.

Hale wrote that he believed removing himself from the situation fully was the only way to show how severe the situation was.

“I believe that stepping away is the only way to shed light on the severity of these issues and call for accountability and change,” he said. “I remain hopeful that the Town of McColl will come together to address these challenges, prioritize ethical leadership, and create an environment where those in public service can perform their duties free from undue interference and hostility.”

McColl Mayor George Garner confirmed the resignations, saying that the community is in a “difficult situation.”

“We’re actively working to hire a new police chief and more officers,” Garner said on Friday.

Garner told WMBF, “I hate to see them go. They were a great group. But we gonna continue on.”

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Nearby agencies and departments, such as the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, will assist McColl as a new police department is hired and trained.

The town of Geary, Oklahoma, went through a similar situation in October in which the entire police department resigned due to conflicts within the city council and consistent unmet department needs.