VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a former mayor of Camas, Washington and executive director of a local economic association with first-degree theft on accusations of using the association’s funds for personal expenses.

Paul Dennis pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday. He’s accused of stealing about $15,000 over a seven-year period from the Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association.

Dennis ran the group and was responsible for its finances. Dennis told reporters in April that the allegations stem from a civil dispute over pay. He had resigned as mayor of Camas in 2011 in to head the association.

His trial is set for November.