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Weaver City Council's Payment Dispute with Mayor Leaves Attorney's Fee Uncertain

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Weaver's City Council voted earlier this year to hire an attorney to represent it in a court case against Mayor Garry Bearden, determining whether he is a resident of Weaver. However, the council's approved payment of $2,500 for the attorney's services has yet to be authorized by the mayor, leaving the lawyer waiting for payment. This dispute has raised concerns about the city's ability to do business, as only two people, including the mayor, are currently authorized to sign checks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Weaver City Council voted to hire an attorney to represent it in a court case against Mayor Garry Bearden for up to $2,500, but the payment has not been authorized yet.
  • The council has traditionally authorized three people to sign checks, including the mayor pro-tem, but currently only two people are authorized due to Mayor Bearden's refusal to sign the necessary paperwork.
  • Councilwoman Sheila Field, the mayor pro-tem, has been unable to sign checks without the required signature from the mayor or City Clerk Teresa Disham.
  • The city's ability to do business could be compromised if only one person is authorized to sign checks, potentially leaving the city without the necessary funds to pay employees.
  • The dispute has led to a suggestion to reinstate the city's traditional practice of authorizing three people to sign checks, but the motion failed due to opposition from Mayor Bearden and Councilman Odis Pippin.

Statistics:

  • The city council has approved a payment of $2,500 to the attorney representing the city in the court case.
  • Only two people, including the mayor, are currently authorized to sign checks from the city's account.
  • The city has traditionally authorized three people, including the mayor pro-tem, to sign checks.
  • The mayor pro-tem, Councilwoman Sheila Field, has been unable to sign checks without the necessary signature from the mayor or City Clerk Teresa Disham.

Sources:

  • The Anniston Star, Ala., Dec. 15, 2010 (no author listed)
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT)

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