RICHMOND ? The mayor of this small Franklin County town has been convicted of misusing public funds.

Bill Wood was convicted Wednesday of using about $15,000 to buy and equip a truck for the city in August 2004 – although the city did not receive the truck for about four months.

In December 2004, Wood reimbursed the city about $6,500 for equipment he had said he would buy for the truck but never purchased.

Franklin County Atty. Heather Jones said Wood used the $6,500 as “an unauthorized, interest-free loan from the city” before repaying it.

The felony conviction means Wood will have to forfeit his office and the town of 514 will need a new mayor.