A contentious city council meeting in Taylorville saw a little bit of a standoff between some Aldermen and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry on Monday evening. The issue at hand was trees on Pawnee Street that needed to be removed. Aldermen Kathy Driskell asked Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry why they were voting on something after trees had already been removed. Mayor Barry said that it was about safety. The wish from Mayor Barry was to take funds from Ward 5 which is the emergency fund money as opposed to Ward 1 funds to remove the trees and to fix the sidewalk.

Alderman Chris Skultetty backed up Alderman Kathy Driskell saying that its not an emergency.

Alderman Skultetty says this isn’t the first time things have been done without Council approval. 

The vote was 5-4 with Aldermen Megan Bryant, Steve Dorchinecz, Kathy Driskell, and Chris Skultetty voting no and Aldermen Larry Budd, Jim Olive, Jeremy Wilson, and Doug Brown voting yes. This prompted Alderman Megan Bryant to exclaim, “Why even be on this council.” With the tie, Mayor Barry voted yes and the matter was closed. The sidewalk repairs from Pleasant Street to Esther Street were also voted yes 5-4 with Mayor Barry voting the tie-breaking vote. 

The city announced that it was saving $146,000 after issuing some new bonds for the city. The improvements for East Main Cross were also approved beginning a process that Mayor Barry called “long overdue.” Mayor Barry also encouraged everyone to come to National Night Out taking place at the Christian County Fairgrounds on Tuesday evening from 5-8.

The council honored the Taylorville Honor Guard made up of American Legion and VFW members and gave the oath of office to new Taylorville Police Officer Josh Niles. The next City Council meeting is set for August 16th.