Estill council imposes budget freeze and accepts employee resignation

The Town of Estill Council voted 4-0 on March 14, 2025, to impose a budget freeze and to accept the resignation of an employee following a brief executive session.

Mayor K. Wiley asked the council to enter an executive session at 5:03 p.m. to discuss budget matters and "Personnel- Employee A." The council voted 4-0 to move into closed session; it returned to open session at 5:27 p.m.

After the executive session, Mayor K. Wiley asked for a motion to approve a budget freeze that would restrict spending except for necessary or emergency purchases. Councilwoman D. Bolden moved the measure and Councilman Joe Hadwin seconded. The council approved the budget freeze by a 4-0 vote.

The council then considered a personnel item identified in the agenda as "Employee A." Mayor K. Wiley asked for a motion to accept the employee's resignation without conditions. Councilman James Williams moved to accept the resignation; Councilman Joe Hadwin seconded. The council voted 4-0 to accept the resignation.

All formal motions recorded in the minutes were unanimous among the four voting council members present: Mayor K. Wiley, Councilwoman D. Bolden, Councilman Joe Hadwin and Councilman James Williams. Clerk Treasurer Edna O'Banner and Attorney Kenneth Davis were listed as present; Mayor Pro Tem T. Solomon participated by conference call.

The council adjourned at 5:29 p.m. The meeting minutes show no additional conditions attached to the resignation and specify that the budget freeze allows for necessary or emergency expenditures only. No dates were specified for when the freeze will be lifted.