An emotionally charged, tense city council meeting took place Tuesday evening that saw a very full board room, a lot of anger, and clearly frustration. The question being clear: Does the city use taxpayer money to fund an advertising campaign for all of Taylorville? Several business owners were at the city council meeting on hand to discuss the topic after it was announced at the finance committee that the city was going to defund Small Town Taylorville (STT) unless STT would make some necessary changes including having a council member on the board for STT to “keep them honest.”  Alderman Randy Mitchelson voiced his concerns and clarified several topics in a rather lengthy letter that he read to the members in attendance. 

Mitchelson says that after many discussions surrounding Fur Love, he believes that no direct public tax money was used to create Fur Love. He also concluded that Fur Love is completely independent of STT and public funds for STT will NOT be used in the operation of Fur Love and haven’t been. He is concerned though over the amount of money being spent on advertising and where it is going. 

The motion to defund STT was tabled 5-2 with Alderman Steve Dorchinecz and Megan Bryant voting “no” on tabling. The discussion wasn’t over yet though.  During public comments, Alderman Chris Skultety, whom Regional Radio News spoke to last week concerning this topic, reiterated previous comments that he had stated, saying that he was supportive of STT but wanted more oversight and stressed the need for communication and better recording of what gets spent.  He also emphasized that every business in Taylorville needs to be included. 

Alderman Kathy Driskell reported that she didn’t believe there was any intent from Steve Craggs, who sits as the Chairman of STT, to sue the council. Aldermen Megan Bryant laughed at that comment and stormed out of the meeting saying that the board and the STT accountant were both “disgusting.” Many business owners spoke out in support of STT saying that with businesses returning to Taylorville, STT is a big part of it.  Nestor Lopez, owner of Nesty’s Burger Joint, spoke out, saying that the town is finally recovering from the pandemic and he doesn’t want to see that growth hindered.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry urged everyone to come to the Finance meeting that will take place on May 16th. 

Some attendees who spoke felt concerned about the next steps, urging everyone to ask, “Is this what’s best for Taylorville.”

Steve Craggs called for the dismissal of Megan Bryant, to which Aldermen Mitchelson vehemently came to her defense saying that Aldermen are only released from their position when they commit a felony, and she was well within her right to ask questions nor had she done anything criminal. 

The next City Council regular meeting is May 20th but again, Mayor Barry is urging everyone to come to the Finance Committee meeting that will take place May 16th.  Regional Radio News will have a separate story that will highlight the other parts of this meeting that took place.