The Piedmont City Council, on Tuesday, voted down an ordinance that would earmark a portion of the city’s utility fees for emergency infrastructure needs.
City leaders had previously voted to allocate 3-percent of the monthly fees to the emergency fund, generating about $18,000 per month and $225,000 annually.
After some initial confusion over whether the fund would be taken from gross or net receipts, it was seen that an ordinance would strengthen the previous “yes” vote.
However, Mayor Bill Baker and several council members expressed concerns over allocating a portion of the city’s only income to an infrastructure fund before paying the monthly bills.
“I’m thoroughly in favor of saving,” Baker said, adding “In my household, if I put something in savings, I pay my bills first.”
Council Member Greg South, who had championed the earmark for months, expressed his frustration, telling the council that he was “highly disappointed” with the decision.
Council Member Doug Dickerson even threatened to resign from the budget committee over what he called the committee’s failure to remain united.
After a lively debate, the measure failed by a 5 to 3 vote. Mayor Baker, along with Council Members Ben Keller, Mary Bramblett, Matt Rogers, and Terry Kiser voted against the ordinance, while South, Doug Dickeson, and Bobby Hardin voted for it.
City Clerk Michelle Franklin added that she will now need to seek legal advice to determine the fate of the earmark, as she has never before seen a case in which the council passed a motion, yet voted down an ordinance concerning a single issue.
In other business, the council agreed to increase the salary for the city’s municipal court judge from $836.05 to $1,000 a month. Similarly, the city prosecutor’s pay was increased from $300 to $600 per month. The increases will come entirely from court fees.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $585,901.51.
Austin Bragg was appointed to fill a vacancy on the park and recreation board.
Don Bigotes was granted a restaurant retail liquor license.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 15th, following the work session, which is set for 5:30pm.