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Written by Julianne Dodge
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Thursday, 11 October 2007 |
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Several members of the community voiced their concerns about the departure of the chief of police to the Blooming Grove City Council during their meeting on October 1, 2007. Most who spoke during the council meeting voiced their support for George Willoughby, who recently left the position through a “mutual agreement” with the council. Mayor Alva Smith explained to the residents in attendance that the agreement included provisions not to reveal the terms of Willoughby’s departure, tying their hands to explain why the council sought a separation agreement. However, comments in previous council meetings as well as from attendees Monday evening indicate that the former chief had disagreed with the council on how his work hours were scheduled. Gordon Griffin, a former council member, advised Blooming Grove residents to trust the council’s actions, even though he is a good friend of Willoughby. “They know more than we do, they’ve been in on every conversation with George or any other policeman,” he said. “These people (the council) are your supervisor. If they want you to work on Saturday, then you work on Saturday,” Griffin said, addressing any employee of the city. Mayor Smith pledged to find the best police protection the city could afford, to assure the safety and protection of the citizens of Blooming Grove. In other business, the council voted to increase garbage fees by 6%, corresponding to the 6% increase they are being charged by Allied Waste. The start date of the increase will be delayed until November 1, per the city’s contract with the garbage company. A representative from Atmos Energy addressed the council prior to a vote to on denying a proposed rate increase from the energy company. Atmos filed the rate increase request on September 20, and is hoping to reach a settlement with the individual cities within their service area, without having to go before the Texas Railroad Commission. However, council members indicated that the Commission cut the last increase by Atmos significantly after member cities denied the rate increase. Atmos is offering “favored nation” status, receiving the best possible rates until the case is decided, to a city if they voted to approve the increase or doing nothing. The Blooming Grove Council voted to suspend the ordinance for thirty days to allow more investigation and to see how the case proceeds. The council, based on the recommendations of Councilman Howard Seely, selected a new auditing firm. Because the city had used another auditor for several years, Seely suggested that the council choose Hudson Anderson & Associates from Corsicana. Other bonuses the firm offered include a flexible pricing schedule and a promise to begin the city’s audit before the end of the year.
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