Hours before being arrested on embezzlement charges in connection with his personal home remodeling business, Achille Mayor Lynn Allen Chambers spoke with the Democrat about the status of the community, finances and town council.

Achille city leaders have been under fire from citizens over past and current issues. Some of the issues include back taxes from 2006 to current, unpaid bills, water rate increases, stray animals and the uncleanliness of the town.

According to Chambers, many allegations are being made by citizens concerning the town finances.

“There’s a lot of negativity due to the rumors and accusations that are untrue,” said Chambers.

“The past council did not embezzle money. Embezzlement is not the issue. Our issue is to better the town, to get the town up and running on a steady climb, which we’re doing,” said Chambers.

Chambers said he is currently working with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the Internal Revenue Service on getting the back taxes resolved. The town has also hired a staffing company to take care of taxes in the future.

Many complaints have also come in about the town itself.

“We’re getting a lot of complaints on the cats and dogs, vacant and run down houses and debris, said Chambers. “We’re trying to take care of the legitimate complaints.”

The city will be participating in an upcoming city wide trash off to help clean up the town.

“We’re doing a big cleanup following the ordinances of the town. We’re gonna get rid of the eyesores,” said Chambers.

Chambers said there are many rumors that water rates will be increased.

“The council has never once discussed raising water rates, said Chambers. “It’s not in the near future.”

Chambers also said the local police will be working on the stray animal problems.

“We’re having problems. We’re trying to fix the problems,” said Chambers. “Our records reflect both and they are welcome to come look.”

Chambers invites anyone to come and view the records.

“Instead of making accusations and rumors, come and look for yourself,” he said.