Florence council votes down travel expense reimbursement

FLORENCE — Florence City Council voted not to reimburse Councilman Billy D. Williams $1,186 in travel expenses for a recent conference in Washington, D.C.

Williams was in the nation’s capital for the National League of Cities annual conference, during which he met with U.S. Reps. James Clyburn and John Spratt as well as U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham about grant funding for local projects.

Council adopted a travel policy in August that allows each member of council to expend up to $4,285.71 for travel on behalf of the city without seeking approval and provides that a council member may incur additional travel expenses on behalf of the city upon approval of such additional amounts by the council. As of Sept. 23, Williams properly had expended the sum of $3,731.56 in travel expenses for the year, leaving him with a balance of $554.15.

Councilman Ed Robinson made a motion to approve Williams’ request for the additional reimbursement, spurring a heated debate among council members.

“When we adopted this policy, we said we were going to spend $30,000 and split it equally,” Councilman Buddy Brand said. “If you are going to go over your amount, you have to get it approved beforehand. We might as well throw this (travel) budget out the window if we’re not going to abide by it.”

Williams said he should be reimbursed regardless, because his meetings with representatives likely will result in as much as $40 million in grant funding for city projects.

“If I can go on these trips and find the city of Florence that kind of money and you’re going to say I don’t need to get reimbursed ... C’mon, now,” Williams said. “Do you want everything for nothing?”

Robinson agreed, arguing that trips such as Williams are necessary if the city wants federal funding. He said it only makes sense that Williams be reimbursed considering the purpose of his trip was city business. He said he believes certain members of council argue against any motion he or Williams make, regardless of what is right or wrong.

“I can’t see why there would be any opposition to this,” Robinson said.

“This man has gone to do work for the city of Florence, so the city of Florence owes him, and he expects to be reimbursed,” Robinson said. “We are human beings, and sometimes, the actions this council takes dehumanize us. We cannot grow this city this way. All we are asking for is equity. We want our fair shares, and we’re not getting that. It’s gotten to the point that it’s ridiculous and pathetic.”

There also was debate as to whether Williams was allowed to vote on the matter according to Robert’s Rules of Order. Mayor Stephen J. Wukela read the portion of Robert’s Rules of Order regarding such matters, which state a council member should abstain from votes on matters that directly affect him or her.

The majority of council agreed with Wukela’s interpretation of Robert’s Rules.

Under the rules of council, a resolution requires a super majority, or four votes, to pass. The resolution to reimburse Williams failed with the support of Robinson, Wukela and Councilman Steve Powers. Brand and Councilwoman Octavia Williams-Blake voted against it. Councilman Bill Bradham was injured during the Thanksgiving holidays and wasn’t present for Monday’s meeting.

Williams said he plans to seek an opinion on the matter from city attorney Jim Peterson, who was on vacation and not at Monday’s meeting.