| By Bob Weaver
Grantsville mayor Wilbert Kerby told council "We have to do something to get our finances straightened-up," seeking approval for his decision for a reduction in force by eliminating one position.
Kerby told the council and community members attending the meeting that he was looking at running the town as a business.
He said "I'm trying to make necessary business decisions," emphasizing that town employees are "at will" workers under state law, which means they can be fired with no cause.
Discussion from those in attendance indicated the employee in question was Eric Webb, who works in the water department. Webb has been an employee of the town for several years.
Some council members indicated they should go into executive session to discuss the matter, but Mayor Kerby said the issue was public, a reduction in force.
Several community members spoke against Webb's dismissal, including town employee Ralph Campbell who charged that the town illegally uses water funds for other town purposes.
Recorder Roger Propst said "Both water and sewage departments are operating at a loss."
Mayor Kerby said "I have to look at keeping the town solvent."
Former recorder Jane Wease maintained that water department funds are solvent, and that they have been mis-used.
Recorder Propst said "That is being corrected," using water funds to pay other employees.
Three council members voted to support the mayor's RIF decision, Cheryl Cheesbrew, Gaylen Duskey, Charlie Whipkey, with two council members abstaining, Loretta Stevens and JoAnn Shock.
Mayor Kerby, responding to a number of issues, said "This town's has got to step up or there won't be a town."
In other council action:
- Candidates for town council and mayor can file between January 8th and 27th, the town election is scheduled for June.
- Town Recorder Roger Propst announced he would not seek re-election to the position after he completes his term this year.
- Tim Meeks of the MOVRC asked council to approve one of five bids for bond counsel related to legal services for the town's wastewater proposal. The town accepted a bid by Steptoe and Johnson for $15,000.
- Council unanimously passed a resolution to request $3,000 from the Governor's partnership grant program for improvements at the town park.
- Council approved accepting a bid of $775 for asbestos issues on two buildings being torn down through a flood mitigation program.
- Mayor Kerby reported he had received a proposed lease agreement from the Calhoun Commission regarding the use of the jail annex building for town hall.
- Discussed a number of issues related to revising the town's employee handbook, with the new manual to be voted on at next month's meeting. Councilwoman Loretta Stevens said she would like to see all town vehicles remain inside the town, rather than be driven to residences.
- Council will likely seek an additional 3% increase above the currently requested 12% for water-sewer charges.
- Municipal Judge Jacob McCumbers gave a report to council saying he heard seven cases in December, issuing $735 in fines and $360 in court costs. McCumbers said the court has collected $82, indicting the individuals have 180 days to pay. McCumbers is also working on helping council increase parking fines and other new ordinances.
- Story regarding future of former town hall property to follow.
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