NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - The political turmoil in Newton Falls continued Monday night as a vote was held to terminate the contract of City Manager David Lynch.

According to Mayor Ken Kline, city council voted 3-1 to terminate Lynch's contract.

On Tuesday, Lynch returned to work despite Mayor Ken Kline acknowledging his termination because Lynch points to Law Director Joseph Fritz who said the city did not follow proper protocol in their effort to fire Lynch.

In a letter Fritz sent to city officials he said, in part, "This evening Council voted 3 to 1 to terminate the City Manager's Contract. Council did not give prior notice of this matter on the agenda. The Council properly added the matter to the agenda by simple majority vote"

According to Lynch, the law director said council needs four votes to remove him.

Kline told 21 News there wasn't one specific reason for Lynch's termination, stating that council decided to move in a different direction, but Kline said Lynch is "under investigation," although Kline would not comment on why. 

Kline said he plans to pursue a restraining order against Lynch to ban him from the city building.

Bill George, electric superintendent for the city, was named the interim city manager following Lynch's removal, but Kline said this is in limbo because of the controversy involving Lynch's position and said he's seeking legal advice from another attorney on handling the matter. 

Kline said a citizen's committee comprised of business owners and residents will help screen new candidates for the job.

The City Manager's role is to manage most day-to-day operations of the community.

Mayor Kline said he will release more information on the matter in the coming days.