08/08/2023
Tonight's City Council was a full house, we had guests from the media, the UCWD, The Magistrates, The Morganfield Mayor, and many of the City Faithful.
The financial report was 1st, not good!!
Next up was the unofficial vacancy on the City Council, as per KRS 83A 040, a vacancy is not recognized until a written notice is given by the person resigning. No action taken.
The Water situation: UCWD has hired an outside attorney to represent them, due to that we could not vote on whether to sign on with them . What was voted on was to have the Mayor negotiate with their attorney on the cities behalf, then the council would vote on the contract. The vote was 3-2 in favor.
I won't speak for any other council members on their vote, I voted against the Mayor due to what I felt was inexperience in negotiation. That was my only reason. I would prefer an experienced negotiator in such an important issue that will impact Sturgis forever . I don't want any surprises for any residents ,current customers,or future Mayor's & Council Members. Although many people may not think I am paying attention, I am, expectations have changed over the last 2 weeks( you can read the last 2 or 3 weeks in the Sturgis news for details), I won't go into detail. I and everyone at that table want what's in the best interest of Sturgis and nothing more.
******** Open session. *****
The issue of why officer Hash was allowed to adopt the K-9 after the layoffs. The dog has been with Officer Hash, since day 1, he trained with him, lived with him, patrolled with him, they were connected 24hrs a day for years, He couldn't have just been adopted by anyone.
Being part of the " past administration", for 2 years, I have to accept part of the responsibility as a City Councilman, on the financial struggles we face today.
Yes, financial reports were requested on many occasions by Mayor Sayle and myself.
Yes, we asked about the missing audits.( I can personally say I asked over a dozen times in 18 months,As well as the other council members.
A year ago July we were handed a makeshift budget/ department allocations of sorts.
I can only speak for myself when I say, I should have pushed harder for answers, instead of accepting excuses.
Tonight I requested more frequent updates on our financial situation ( I asked for weekly), what I settled for was the opportunity to meet Mayor Sayle at City Hall and go over finances.
I understand the financial situation is fluid, but I/we can't afford to wait. We have very few options, I don't want Bankruptcy, or Receivership,to be an avenue we are forced to take.
I don't know what the future holds for Sturgis, I honestly don't know if we can pull out of this financial tailspin we are in.
The only thing we have right now is Hope, but that doesn't pay the bills.
Thanks
Pete
( you can read a detailed report in the Sturgis News)
