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By Leon G. Russ
HOMETOWN NEWS
When Spartanburg City Council met at its meeting on Monday, June 8 it marked the second consecutive meeting where City Councilman Joe Spigner notably voiced an objection.
His objection sparked a visible irritation between council members to the point where Mayor Bill Barnet reminded council civility must be maintained during the meeting.
Following a presentation on the city’s 2009/2010 budget to council by James Kennedy, the city’s Budget Director, Spigner questioned him as to whether the funds to be used to keep four police officer positions over the next three years came from the federal stimulus package.
When answered in the affirmative, Spigner began to voice his objections, saying, “I can’t support the budget because it’s using stimulus funds for positions.”
Fellow councilman Robert Reeder broke in saying, “We already know, Mister Spigner, and you’re wasting our time.”
Spigner replied, “Point of order. I have the floor.”
Barnet then reminded council to maintain civility.
Many believe Spigner is taking the opportunity to position himself to the far right so he’ll be in advantageous position to run for mayor. Mayor Barnet has hinted strongly that he’ll not seek a third term.
Spigner’s stance wasn’t really a difficult one since he knew before speaking that there was no chance his vote would actually stop the city from accepting the funds.
Councilwoman Linda Dogan also pointed out whether the city accepts the funds or not, its citizens would still be responsible for paying back the money that would then be sent to other cities or states to use.
When council finally voted on the budget it passed by a 6-1 vote with Spigner as the lone dissenter.
The COPS grant that raised the ire of Spigner was the lone item in the $33.65 million budget to receive stimulus dollars.
Kennedy did say the city has applied for other federal grants that will include stimulus money.
Some of the highlights of the 2009/2010 budget as noted by Kennedy include savings through staffing reductions of $100,000 and operational cuts of $100,00 along with no cost of living adjustments for city employees.
Kennedy noted the city expects a 5% reduction in revenues from business license fees and a 3% reduction in insurance franchise fees.
Council also voted 7-0 to name Janel Myers Newell as the city’s municipal chief judge. She will replace Judge John Smith who is retiring at the end of the month.
Newell will receive a salary of $38,000 plus medical benefits for 20 hours of work a week.
In other business council voted 7-0 to amend a zoning ordinance that would allow residential single-family, patio homes, condominiums and two-family dwellings to be permitted as General Business District provided they meet certain conditions.
The city’s Planning Director, Stephanie Monroe, noted it would benefit the downtown area and other growing mixed use communities.
Council also voted 7-0 to accept a revised millage rate. The city had an estimated millage rate of 104.7 for 2008/2009. The revised rate falls to 101.0 for 2009/2010.
lruss@hometown-news.com
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