There had been much talk lately from Danville City Council members about changing the city treasurer position from elected to appointed, as a way to make sure in the future that it’s always someone qualified for the job. To take effect with the new treasurer’s term that will be elected next spring, the change has to be made by this coming October 8th, which rules out a November ballot referendum. So Corporation Council Leon Parker came forth with a proposal that the City Council could make the change with an ordinance.
But during Public Comment at Tuesday night’s (July 21st) City Council meeting Former Alderwoman Brenda Brown said, “wait a minute.” Brown says when the “Seven Plaintiffs” in 1987 forced Danville to change from a commissioner to an aldermanic form of government, it was by a Federal Court decree. Therefore, in her eyes, the Council cannot change this on its own; as the decree said the mayor, aldermen, and treasurer positions must be elected.
AUDIO: This was a Federal Court order. And it should be recognized and observed as a court order, not something that a city council can take and review and change on their own. It’s going to take a Federal judge to come back and change this. We can’t do this in a City Council meeting.
Former Danville Alderwoman Brenda Brown gives her opinion to City Council about the Treasurer position.
Alderwoman Tricia Teague says in looking at state law, perhaps the City Council could keep the treasurer’s position as elected; but tighten the controls for swift action if trouble occurs.
AUDIO: It provides for some sort of fine or fee, when the treasurer is derelict in his/her duties. And so, if state law provides for that; to me that’s a precedent to say that maybe we could provide for something similar by ordinance here; and we could potentially provide for something stronger than what state law provides for, if necessary.
Alderwoman Tricia Teague (center) gives her opinion on possible adjustments to the City Treasurer position.
So now, are we back to square one as far as making any changes in time for the next elected term? Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr says; the aldermen started this, and he’s confident they will finish it.
AUDIO: It will be up to the aldermen. They’re the ones who brought this forward, and I’m sure they’ll make a decision one way or the other.
One alderman with a different take on this is Tom Hightower. He said afterwards; one, this is all a waste of time when there’s governing work to be done; and two, he’s wondering about some kind of hidden agenda.
AUDIO: It feels like somebody who thinks they’re going to win the mayor’s seat is making directions. I’m not pointing any fingers, because I don’t have any facts. But I’m going to get to the bottom of it and find out.
A proposal brought forth on alderman pay; which would keep it the same, but would also be based on attendance at meetings; was also met with mixed reviews.
We should also point out that the much talked about Danville 2050 Comprehensive Plan was passed unanimously 11-0; with Aldermen Butler, Strebing, and Ahrens absent. Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk repeated that one of his first goals will be adjusting the city zoning code to the plan’s goals.
