Ordinances Repealed; Department Heads Confirmations Reviewed

The Monroe City Council passed a set of repeal ordinances for final adoption at its regular Tuesday, August 13, 2024 meeting, fulfilling a promise made by council members from Districts 3, 4, and 5. Newly elected District 4 Councilman Bishop Rodney McFarland and District 5 Councilman Verbon Muhammad, along with veteran District 3 Council Chairwoman Juanita Woods, stood firmly as they voted to repeal several ordinances passed by previous councils. The repealed ordinances included Ordinance No. 12,219, which referred to a video bingo tax rededication, Ordinance No. 12,220, which concerned a special tax election slated for the December 2024 ballot, and Ordinance No. 12,225, which related to purchasing and bidding procedures. All of these repealed ordinances were sponsored by Councilman McFarland.

For those expecting a back-and-forth debate between those for and against the repeals, there was none. The final adoption session proceeded without any disruptions, and the council chambers were not as crowded as in previous meetings. District 1 Councilman Doug Harvey and District 2 Councilwoman Gretchen Ezernack voted against the repeal of the ordinances. Mayor Friday Ellis, who was also present at the meeting, appeared to show no visible reaction as the votes were cast.

Many in the community supported the repeal ordinances, particularly the repeal concerning the December tax ballot election, as the tax was set for renewal a full five years before its 2029 expiration. Voters in Districts 3, 4, and 5, as well as other community members, were against this renewal, feeling that the incoming council members should have had the opportunity to represent their concerns in the new administration. The question now arises: where do we go from here?

In other business, a resolution sponsored by Councilman McFarland to "establish procedures" for the confirmation of department heads was passed. The resolution requires the city to follow the charter when filling department head positions, rather than allowing individuals to work in those capacities without council approval. One example cited was that of former Public Works Director Tom Janway, whose position has not been "officially" filled since his retirement several years ago. There may be other positions similar to Public Works that the council seeks to address. Councilwoman Ezernack suggested that an opinion from the Attorney General might be sought. McFarland responded that such a request would need the support of the entire council, not just one council member. Muhammad, McFarland, and Woods voted "aye" for the resolution, while Harvey and Ezernack voted "nay."