Butler city council fired a city police sergeant at its meeting Thursday night, citing the officer’s alleged violation of written procedures.

Mayor Tom Donaldson made the motion to terminate the employment of Sgt. Ronald Fundark, effective immediately. Council would not elaborate on the alleged wrongdoing.

Solicitor Jim Coulter said Fundark has the right to appeal under the rules and regulations of city civil service or can file a grievance under the Fraternal Order of Police union contract.

“We do expect those to happen,” Coulter said, adding Fundark disagreed with the city’s stance.

If he were to appeal, Fundark would have a hearing before city council, Coulter said. If council were to uphold its decision, Fundark could appeal to court.

If he were to file a grievance through the union, an arbitrator would review the case and make a decision to either uphold council’s decision or to reinstate Fundark with backpay.

Coulter said the appeal option typically is less common and expected an arbitration case to take a couple of months to resolve.

Fundark had a hearing with city officials Jan. 21, Coulter said. The hearing is part of the due process and provided the officer a chance to respond to the allegation against him. The mayor, solicitor, Fundark and a union representative were at the meeting.

A second hearing was held Thursday morning, Coulter said.

The meetings were held after the alleged wrongdoing was brought to the mayor’s attention, Coulter said. Council would not say who made the allegation.

Donaldson said he could not comment on when the alleged incident took place or if Fundark faced prior discipline.

Fundark, 47, has worked for the city for more than 19 years. City officers are able to retire with full benefits once they have worked 20 years and are 50 years old.

Fundark’s annual salary was about $62,000.

Police Chief Ron Brown declined to comment.

Fundark could not be reached for comment.