The Auburn Police Department is investigating a reported act of vandalism against City Manager Mark Palesh's vehicle. According to Palesh, his vehicle was keyed sometime Monday morning while parked at Auburn City Hall.

Palesh said the officer who took the report estimated the damage will cost between $500 and $700 to repair.

The incident has come in the wake of a controversial decision by Palesh and city officials to close one of Auburn's three fire stations. Palesh said Monday that it would be an “interesting coincidence” if the two were not connected.

“I have been here over a year,” said Palesh, who noted that this is the first time something like this has happened to him in Auburn. “People can draw their own conclusions.”

It is possible the person could be caught on tape, he added, as the city has installed security cameras in the city hall parking lot.