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Mayor and council clash over property abatements and chain of command in Krebs
Summary
During council comments on Oct. 15, council member Dan Heathcock and staff said abatement steps were completed and crews needed an order to clean properties; Mayor Tommy Ray Walker said he had not seen paperwork and would not send crews without signed orders. The council did not record a formal directive to proceed.
A dispute over property abatements and who must order cleanup work broke into heated remarks during the City of Krebs Council's Oct. 15 meeting.
Council member Dan Heathcock asked about the status of abatements the council had previously voted to start. Dennis Cook said the city had completed required steps under the city ordinance and had documentation on file; Cook told the council they needed to give the order to city crews or to "Billy" to perform mowing and cleanup.
Mayor Tommy Ray Walker responded that he had not seen paperwork and repeatedly declined to give the order without seeing signed documentation. "I have not seen any of it," Mayor Walker said; later he added, "Until I see the paper work that y'all are making me do this, signed and everything then I will." Vice Mayor David Bailey said the council had voted to begin the abatement process and urged cooperation, saying the council needed to work together and that he was tired of the ongoing disagreement.
The minutes record an exchange in which Dennis Cook said staff had already taken steps and that documentation appeared in monthly reports; the mayor said he had not seen that paperwork. The minutes show no recorded vote or formal direction ordering crews to proceed with abatement work during this meeting.
Separately, Council member Connie Poole asked about the chain of command for employee issues and whether employees receive a policy handbook. City Clerk Cindy J. Cooper said the city does have a handbook, that employees should have copies and that she can provide one to the council.
The council adjourned to KUA following the discussion; no further action on abatements was recorded in the minutes.
