Macon City Council Pres. Could Seek Legal Action Against Dept. Heads

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Category: Local
Published on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 00:15
Written by Dustin Wilson
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After going through mid-year budget reviews city council members found some department heads are not following the law in how they spend tax payer's money. Now legal action could be around the corner.

Council President James Timley says between 6 or 7 department heads broke the law during the first fiscal quarter of this year and could be fined 500-dollars.

According to City Code, it's unlawful for department heads to spend over the approved funding for any line item of their budget, without asking permission from Council.

The mayor tried fixing the problem Monday by requesting a new law for the city that would repeal.

A number of council members did not agree with the quick fix solution.

"It is a violation of law and I don't want to be everybody in jail and I don't want to charge everybody $500, but a message has to be sent. And that message has to say to department heads that the law is the law and you cannot violate this law. Otherwise, what's the purpose?," said Timley.

Timley says he's leaning toward filing an affidavit with the municipal court, and the judge will determine the ultimate punishment for department heads.

The Mayors code change passed Monday in the ordinances and resolutions committee, but it must go through appropriations and full council to go into law.