The no confidence vote stems from Livingston’s decision to release a report containing attorney/client privileged information concerning an investigation into the resignation of former town secretary Laura Calcote last June.

The Town Council voted 4-1 in favor of the resolution declaring a no confidence vote in the mayor.

Sherri Myers voted against the motion, stating that she never observed the mayor behaving inappropriately or yelling at employees.

When asked to comment on the vote, Livingston said, ”It is purely symbolic ... I am disappointed in the outcome.”

The votes will be canvassed May 15. Livingston is not seeking reelection for mayor but he is running for the Place 2 seat against Ronald Schmidt. Rick Bradford is running unopposed for mayor.

Council member Cynthia Herman, who asked for the no confidence vote, said it was a sad time in Argyle because of the divisiveness.

“The fact that we’re here tonight is not taken lightly,” she said.

She described how she and Livingston used to be friends.

“I sat next to him. I worked closely with him. I considered him to be a friend,” Herman said. “We campaigned together. I felt like we were moving this town in the right direction. However, I no longer recognize the person that sits to my right. I do not understand what has happened,” she said.

Brenda McDonald, an attorney representing Argyle, said the mayor can continue to hold office, and the council would have to file a petition with a district court to remove the mayor.

Several council members chastised Livingston for refusing to follow McDonald’s advice against releasing the report.

Livingston released a report regarding an investigation into allegations that he created a hostile work environment. ‘The report, conducted by an outside law firm, cleared Livingston.

On Thursday, Livingston sent a text message with a link to the report to all residents