With a unanimous vote, held during a special called Emergency meeting Thursday evening, all four members of Pelzer Town Council approved a resolution limiting the Mayor to a spending limit of “one cent”.
The spending limit applies to any future expenditure unless approved by Council and will be in effect until a Town Clerk is appointed.
Approximately 60 people attended the meeting. Most appeared to be in support of the resolution and concerned with the mayor’s spending, primarily on the “wildflower project”.
Mayor Pro Tem Mike Matthews conducted the meeting. Councilman Cruz West read the resolution in its entirety. Mayor Will Ragland did not attend the meeting.
The resolution states: “The mayor of the Town of Pelzer shall be limited to authorizing future expenditures or commitments of Town funds not to exceed $.01 (one cent) without verification from a majority vote from Council for any unbudgeted items or items that can be delayed.
The limit does not apply to normal everyday operations of the town such as paying employees, utility bills, scheduled payments or any like accounts payable.
The resolution states that the restriction shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the Town Council formally appoints a qualified individual to serve as Town Clerk.
A resolution is a formal statement, often agreed upon by a group or organization, expressing an opinion or decision.
Regarding enforcement, the resolution states: “Any future financial commitment or expenditure made in violation of this resolution shall be considered unauthorized and subject to reversal, investigation, and any other remedies allowed under law.”
After the resolution was read aloud, Mayor Pro Tem Matthews suggested Council look over the resolution and vote on it at the next meeting.
Councilman West immediately replied, “We need to vote on this tonight”.
Without further discussion or a formal motion, Council unanimously approved the resolution 4-0.
During public comments after the vote, several residents, including mayoral candidate Chase Smithwick, asked questions and made comments.
