Bastrop mayor receives reprimand

BATROP – An official letter of reprimand was issued to Bastrop’s top seat this past week for his involvement in the ongoing Visit Bastrop investigation.

Mayor Lyle Nelson stood before the Bast rop Ethic s Commission April 10, which unanimously voted to issue the highest sanction an elected official can receive.

The board members chose this sole punishment for Nelson after reviewing investigatory details and finding that he interfered in the investigation by withholding relevant information.

According to the commission, Nelson refused to provide the details of more than eight months’ worth of communication between him and Visit Bastrop contractor Susan Smith. Smith is accused of misusing public funds totaling around $70,000, some of which were reportedly used to pursue a romantic relationship with Nelson.

The mayor denied knowing about the money and claimed that his interference was intentional, but not wrongful, as it pertained to private information.