The city of Elsmere charged Councilmember Serena Owen with six counts of woeful neglect and misconduct at a special meeting on April 29.
Attorney Jeff Otis, of Covington-based law firm Otis, Braun & Johnson, who will conduct Owen’s removal hearing, read Resolution 6-2025 before the council. The document charges Owen with woeful neglect of council duties and misconduct due to her lack of attendance at city meetings and participation in legislative functions throughout 2025.
Read the back story about Serena Owen and Elsmere City Council
The resolution cites Owen’s refusal to create a valid email address for official communications per executive directives and instructions in Elsmere. She has been using a personal email account to communicate as a council member. Her refusal to accept payment for her council position, insisting that she serves on the council as a volunteer, is stated to be “dishonest, if not fraudulent” and charged as misconduct.
Another misconduct charge holds that Owen directed city staff to delete photos of her attendance at a city-sponsored public event in the Elsmere Community Center on April 10. She attributed her absence at city council meetings to her disability, for which she sought accommodation in the form of virtual attendance. Her failure to accept Elsmere’s alternative accommodations, including police escort and protective glass, is cited in the resolution as misconduct.
“Councilwoman Owen’s directive to delete evidence is unethical and a blatant attempt to disguise her ability to attend city meetings,” the resolution states. The charges provide just cause to remove Owen from her elected position on the city council.
The council unanimously approved the charging document and a resolution, which authorizes Otis to spend $2,000 on Mary Gina Connor, a licensed clinical social worker for WellSpring Psychological Services in Florence.
The resolution states that Owen has raised issues in her defense that require the opinion of a qualified mental health professional. Connor will testify on behalf of the Elsmere City Council at Owen’s removal hearing.
The misconduct charges may be addressed at the hearing if Owen so chooses.
The public hearing for Owen’s removal is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on May 27 in the Council Chamber of the Elsmere City Building.