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‘Take me to jail,’ - Jones
Mayor Dubose charges councilwoman Jones violated ethics law
By Herman B. Ward, Jr.
Associate Editor
“Come take me to jail,” invited Councilwoman Jean Jones at the York Council meeting
Monday evening.
Councilwoman Jones was responding to comments from York Mayor Glenda Dubose who
said the councilwoman violated ethics laws when she organized a party for employees with
funds solicited from citizens and the use of the York Hightower Center.
Councilwoman Jones said she will take responsibility for the event and thanked citizens for
contributing to it.
Mayor Dubose said the Christmas party held for city employees violated League of
Municipality standards, and left some employees and citizens disgruntled, because
according to them, they were not included.
The mayor said funds used to have the party, as well as the use of the community center
was not done properly.
“It did not meet protocol. The party was given, to my understanding, by solicitation of
citizens,” the mayor said.
“The League of Municipalities says you can not solicit money from citizens to pay for
employees parties. That’s a violation of the ethics.
“I had a citizen that talked to me about it that has given the money, as well as an
employee after I inquired about it. I was told the solicitation was for the fire department.
“After some communication, the fire department decided they didn’t want to handle it that
way so they changed their date and did their own little thing. The party went on as a city
wide thing and one of the persons that gave the money stated that they didn’t get invited
to a party that they contributed money for.
“The League of Municipalities said that was an ethics violation as well as criminal,”
explained Mayor Dubose.
Mayor Dubose said after speaking with other municipal officials and the city attorney, she
learned some citizens were asked to leave the check blank and the funds were obtained
by the fire chief and then forwarded to a member of the city council, “Ms Jones”to be used
for a party.
Mayor Dubose also said use of the York Hightower Center for the party was un-authorized
and some citizens and employees were not invited and charges will be filed against those
who participated in organizing the event.
Mayor Dubose then asked the council if they wished to do something for the employees.
“There was a Christmas party for the employees last year that didn’t come by the body,”
stated Councilwoman Jeanette Payne.
Mayor Dubose said she approved the party with funds donated by employees.
“So what’s the difference in the citizens showing their appreciation and giving them a
Christmas Party?” asked Councilwoman Payne.
“I didn’t write any of that. The league says you can not use the citizens money to give a
Christmas party,” answered the mayor.
“I still say that I don’t think it was anything wrong with the citizens pitching in and showing
their appreciation to the employees,” Councilwoman Payne said.
The mayor said elected officials should not solicit money from citizens acting in their
official capacity, and rent should be paid to use the community center for private affairs.
The mayor said York Fire Chief Gregory Chinn said money was donated for the York Fire
Department and reminded the council that according to a statement made by the city
accounting firm, all money donated to the city must be deposited in a city account and the
use of the funds approved by the mayor and council.
“On that note, I would like to thank the citizens of York for the hospitality that they
showed,” stated Councilwoman Jones.
“They showed a spirit of giving. They were willing and the thing was that I wish I could do
more. If I can help you fix something let me know.
“I’m sitting here smiling because I talked to the league too and I appreciate everybody. So
if Ray (York Police Sergeant Ray McVay) wants to put me in jail just bring me a sprite and
a bag of peanuts and I’ll be alright.
“I would like to thank everybody. They made me feel so good because they acted like we
did in York a long time ago. Everybody loved each other and just wanted to help. So on
that note, whatever consequences, Councilwoman Jones will take it,” Jones said.
Mayor Dubose said it is her responsibility to report such activities.
“We are right at Christmas. The employees work hard and I think we should do something
for them,” Mayor Dubose said.
The mayor said funds were not available to pay employee incentives, but asked the
council if they wanted to pay approximately $50 each, and give the employees a cash gift.
Councilwoman Payne suggested it would be against the League of Municipalities to pay
the incentive. Councilman Dubose said he wanted to plan a cook-out for the employees
next year.
No motion was offered to pay the cash gift by the council.
Enhancement Grant
Mayor Dubose announced a community enhancement grant for $2,000 was awarded to
York.
Gas tanks
The mayor and council asked the city manager to explore purchasing a gas tank for
premium fuel for the police department. Sgt. McVay said since the local convenience store
stopped selling Texaco Gasoline, the police department has to travel to Livingston or
Cuba to purchase Texaco or Chevron fuel for police vehicles.
Sweezey said paying approximately $900 for the tank would save time and travel for the
police department.
Happy Acres
A citizen asked if York Police can patrol the Happy Acres community more. The citizen
said the peace is often disturbed and police response is slow.
Tax forms
Mayor Dubose declared Federal 941 Tax forms were completed by Butler and Gardner
Accounting Firm and ready to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service.
Mayor Dubose said the forms will be examined by the city tax attorney and submitted to
the IRS. The city owes approximately $240,000 in back taxes.
Garbage service
City Manager Timothy Sweezey asked the mayor and council if they wanted to consider
using a private company to collect garbage in York.
Mayor Dubose agreed the garbage service equipment is old and said a lot of money is
being used to maintain it. The mayor said over $8,000 has been spent in repairs during
the past two months, and suggested the council consider proposals from private
companies.
Sweezey said garbage service so far has generated approximately $83,000 for the city,
and said expenses and truck repairs could easily exceed those profits.
The council agreed to invite private garbage collection companies to submits proposals.
Dump fees
The mayor asked the council if they wanted to charge a fee to dump trash in the city
landfill.
Councilwoman Payne questioned the legality of charging a fee to dump trash at the
landfill.
Councilman Dubose said he thought there was already a tipping fee to dump trash at the
landfill and asked why the gate is not locked and left un-attended.
Former utility worker Starling Perryman said trash is left at the gate of the landfill when the
gate is locked and the city still ends up having to move the trash.
Old meters
The council tabled a decision to declare old water meters surplus and accept bids to sell
them. Sweezey was asked to retrieve all used water meters and submit a count.
No minutes
Minutes were not approved by the mayor and council.
Councilman Dubose said he needed more time to review minutes before approving them.
Councilman Dubose also said he did not agree with the language in the October 13,
minutes.
Mayor Dubose told the council minutes have not been approved since October and the
Aug. 15 minutes were not approved.
Club hours
Club owner Enoch Harrison asked if night clubs can open early on Christmas night. The
mayor and council agreed to contact the city attorney to see if hours can be extended,
since Christmas night falls on a Sunday this year.
ABC
Alabama Beverage Control announced that liquor stores will be closed in counties with
two or more stores and the York store may soon close.
Mayor Dubose said she asked ABC officials to reconsider closing the York store since the
town has lost so much revenue recently. Mayor Dubose said ABC officials agreed to
revisit the decision.
Senior feeding
Mayor Dubose announced the senior citizen feeding sight at the York Hightower Center
will be closed according to an announcement from program officials.
The mayor said a lack of congregants visiting the sight each day is the reason for the
decision. Frozen meals will still be provided and delivered to residents.
Holiday hours
City Hall will be closed Friday Dec. 23 and Monday Dec. 26. City Hall will be closed
Monday, January 2. The next council meeting will be Tuesday, January 3.