City of Hamilton Mayor, Graeme Outerbridge and Deputy Mayor Donal Smith are facing contempt proceedings in relation to the Ombudsman’s investigation into City Hall.The Office of the Ombudsman initiated the proceeding on July 26.The Royal Gazette understands that Mr Outerbridge and Mr Smith have refused to answer questions put to them by the Ombudsman who is conducting a systemic investigation into the operations of the municipality.The Ombudsman Act provides that anyone who “without lawful excuse” obstructs the Ombudsman in the performance of her duties under the act or “does any act or makes any omission in relation to an inquiry or investigation under this Act which, if that inquiry or investigation were a proceeding in the Court, would constitute the offence of contempt of Court” commits the offence of contempt,City Hall did not respond to queries seeking clarification when contacted on Wednesday. Mr Outerbridge is believed to be off the Island.Bermuda’s Ombudsman, Arlene Brock, announced in March that her office will be conducting an own motion investigation into the operation of the Corporation with a particular focus on the waterfront project amid concerns about lack of transparency.City Hall initially welcomed the investigation, with the Deputy Mayor Donal Smith saying that all council members and staff had been told to fully cooperate.