The Prattville City Council met in special session on Tuesday, October 26th at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall with Council President Argo presiding. Roll was called and all were recorded as being present.

AGENDA ITEM

1. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSURANCE, EXECUTION, SALE AND DELIVERY OF $3,100,000.00 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT GENERAL OBLIGATION NOTE OF THE CITY OF PRATTVILLE AND THE PAYMENT THEREOF. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2010, PAGE 082).

Councilman Miller made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Renegar seconded the motion. Councilman Gillespie read a letter from Jon Lee Finnegan, a resident of District 7. The letter is included in the official record book at City Hall. There being no discussion, the substitute Resolution was adopted with a roll call vote:

CLOSING COMMENTS:

Councilman Gillespie addressed Finance Director Rod Morgan by stating that in his opinion, the information Mr. Morgan had provided him had not been forthright. He further stated that in early discussions prior to the adoption of the budget, rather than staying current with paying vendors, Mr. Morgan informed him that money were being placed in the reserve funds in order to pay the loan payment.

Councilman Gillespie addressed Mayor Byard by re-stating comments he made during a recent budget work session that “it is the Council’s job to provide the funds and the Mayor’s job to manage them.” He told the Mayor that he has been disingenuous and that in his opinion, he owes the City Council and the citizens an apology.

Councilman Miller stated that it is very disconcerting to borrow money to pay debt. He further stated that if the Council had received the information in a forthright manner, many of the issues we’ve been faced with could have been avoided. He also stated that finding out about the need to borrow funds to make the bond payment so soon after the budget was passed has been a watershed event for him. Councilman Miller further stated that he is committing to himself, his family, his constituents and the community that he will step up to the plate and look at Prattville’s future and make some tough decisions in hopes to help make Prattville again the Preferred Community.

Councilman Renegar echoed Councilman Miller’s comments.

Councilman Boles thanked Mr. Morgan for answering budget and loan questions, when in his opinion, the Mayor should have been the person to answer them. He thanked Mr. Morgan for leading the Council out of this mess. He thanked the Finance Committee for taking the bull by the horns. He assured everyone that change is coming. Councilman Boles stated that the reason he supported the Resolution is because if it had not passed, everyone’s property taxes would have increased.

Council President Argo stated that the last 3 weeks had been an exercise in bad government. The Council had made decisions based on the information they had been given. He further stated that with the decision to adopt the substituted Resolution to borrow the necessary bond payment funds, the City will now be able to move forward. Bills will be paid in a timely manner and the bonded indebtedness will be paid. The way in which business will be conducted from this point forward will be different.

Councilman Miller thanked the citizens who have brought suggestions forward. Regarding the proposed 2011 budget, Councilman Miller stated that members of the Council will be taking time to do research before offering budget cuts and revisions. It will not be an undertaking with quick results. He encouraged citizens to continue to make suggestions for changes that may be made.

ADJOURN:

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Renegar made a motion to adjourn and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. The meeting closed at 6:30 p.m.

APPROVED:

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Gina P. Smith
City Clerk

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Dean R. Argo, President
Prattville City Council