NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In Nashville, there's trouble at Metro Council.

A complaint filed with the city accuses District 1 Councilmember Joy Kimbrough of ethical misconduct.

Ryan Moses, the CEO of Best Brands — a liquor distribution company in Nashville— claims that Kimbrough tried to use her position for personal gain.

The drama stems from land that would have to be rezoned for Best Brands to build a warehouse on Ashland City Highway and Briley Parkway.

The company promised to hire employees from Bordeaux, and for five years, give $150,000 to nonprofits in the area. However, according to the formal complaint filed by Moses, Kimbrough said that's not enough and asked for $500,000 to be paid upfront in order to gain her support.

"She insisted that I instead pay $500,000 immediately and that she would control where the funds went in order for her to move my rezoning forward. When I questioned this, she replied, 'Well that's where I am and what I want,'" the complaint highlighted.

News 2 reached out to Kimbrough, who gave us an email she sent to her constituents Thursday, stating her disapproval of the project. She called Moses a liar, and a "desperate man from a privileged background."

In addition, she attached an email between her and Moses where she says, "There is simply no amount of money that your company can bring to the table that will change this determination."

Meanwhile, documents in the complaint show support from the community with over 100 signatures.

Now, there's questions on what will happen next. The Metro Legal Department will have the say to either dismiss the complaint or hold a hearing.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/metro-councilmember-accused-of-ethical-misconduct/