The Guthrie City Council will consider formally censuring Councilwoman Menecca Gibbs during its Tuesday evening meeting over a statement she allegedly made concerning whether a tort claim was discussed during a City Council executive session.
The council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m. inside Guthrie City Hall. The meeting can also be viewed live on the Guthrie News Page YouTube and Facebook channels.
Council members are scheduled to discuss and take possible action on Resolution No. 2026-25, which would formally censure Gibbs for what the proposed resolution describes as a material misrepresentation concerning a tort claim filed against the City by Scotty Smith.
According to the resolution, Smith filed a tort claim against the City of Guthrie on Oct. 6, 2025.
The resolution states that Gibbs communicated with Smith through Facebook Messenger on Aug. 12, 2026, and told him, “The conversation about the Tort Claim happened during Executive Session.”
The proposed resolution says the City Council reviewed applicable agendas, minutes, and other official records and determined Smith’s tort claim was never listed on a City Council agenda for consideration in executive session.
The resolution further states that the council did not consider, discuss, or deliberate on Smith’s tort claim during an executive session.
Based on those records, the proposed resolution characterizes Gibbs’ statement to Smith as “materially false” and says it inaccurately represented the City Council’s official proceedings.
The resolution also argues that Gibbs’ statement attributed participation in an alleged executive session discussion to other council members and City employees who, according to the resolution, did not participate in such a discussion.
If approved, the resolution would serve as an official correction of the public record, stating that Smith’s Oct. 6, 2025, tort claim was not discussed or deliberated upon during a City Council executive session.
The resolution would also formally express the council’s institutional disapproval of Gibbs’ conduct, which it describes as inconsistent with the standards of integrity, accuracy, and public trust expected of a council member.
The proposed censure would not remove Gibbs from office or restrict her ability to vote, participate in council proceedings, or perform her duties as an elected official.
The resolution also specifically states that it would not restrict Gibbs’ constitutional rights to political speech, criticism, disagreement, or participation in public debate.
According to the resolution, Gibbs was provided notice of the statement and conduct being considered and was given an opportunity to respond, address the council and present information concerning the matter.
Tuesday’s agenda item allows the City Council to approve the resolution, approve it with conditions, amend it, or deny it.
Guthrie News Page will carry Tuesday’s City Council meeting live beginning at 6:30 p.m. on its YouTube and Facebook channels.
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