PRICHARD, Ala. – A heated city council session on Thursday ended abruptly when three council members left the chamber after a dispute over how the city funded its payroll.
Mayor denies use of gas‑tax money for payroll
Mayor Carletta Davis rejected accusations that her administration tapped the city’s gas tax account – a fund legally limited to road and bridge projects – to cover payroll expenses. Council President Traci Hale had directed a citizen to be removed from the meeting, but Mayor Davis instructed law‑enforcement officers to allow the individual to stay. Shortly thereafter, Hale and two other council members walked off the dais, halting the meeting before any votes were taken.
Council raises $60,000 transfer question
Earlier that day, the council’s Finance Committee examined the issue. Committee Chairwoman Annie Williams asked whether the administration transferred $60,000 from the gas tax fund to the general fund to meet payroll obligations. “If they pulled that money out of the gas tax to use for anything other than streets, roads, and bridges, then that’s a very serious legal matter,” Williams said.
Mayor Davis responded that the $60,000 was earmarked for a project to repair Whistler Street and that the city has sufficient funds to pay its employees. “It has nothing at all to do with the money transfer,” she told reporters. “These innuendos and insinuations are tearing the city apart and make no sense.”
Payroll schedule and accounting system explanation
Davis clarified that city workers are paid on Fridays and that the city is legally obligated to ensure funds are available on payday. When asked why the transfer was necessary, she explained that a new accounting system does not permit checks to be issued directly from the gas tax account.
Council members also questioned why the city’s finance director moved the $60,000 back into the gas tax fund on Thursday after the earlier transfer. Davis assured the council that the money was never missing and that no illegal activity occurred. “She didn’t put it in her pocket. She didn’t do anything illegal. It’s nothing nefarious,” the mayor said.
The finance director later returned the funds to the gas tax account, citing public scrutiny as the reason for the reversal.
Legal perspective from council attorney
Council attorney Moshae Donald Walker noted that the city’s accounting system can issue checks from the gas tax account. “If that was a legal, lawful transfer – nothing to be ashamed of – why was it immediately transferred back?” Walker asked.
The council meeting concluded without any votes or formal resolutions on the payroll issue. The abrupt ending left residents awaiting further clarification from city officials.
What’s next for Prichard?
Mayor Davis indicated that payroll will be processed on Friday as scheduled. Council members said they will continue to monitor the city’s use of restricted funds and may pursue additional oversight measures.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
