Jackson council appointments to budget committee meets opposition
During the new business sector of Tuesday's city council meeting, all nine city council members were appointed to various boards, committees, and liaison roles across entities throughout the city of Jackson and Madison County.
Board appointments in a number of the following member roles were up for consideration: Taxi Board, Beer Board, Budget Committee, Audit Committee, Expenditure Committee, Planning Commission, Jackson-Madison County Library, Recreation and Parks, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Tensions rose between council members when Candace Busby, District 3, made a motion to amend the nomination of Johnny Dodd, District 2, Julie Holt, District 9, and Frank McMeen, District 5, to the Budget Committee, citing that Larry Lowrance, District 6, should replace Holt.
Once Busby presented her motion, Holt advocated for a motion to discuss the reconsideration. She commenced the discussion by "wondering on what pretense" Busby's motion was based.
"I feel like Larry has more experience and is more knowledgable and that's the reason why I made that motion," Busby replied.
Holt defended her qualifications for the budget committee appointment, noting her degree in accounting and the several businesses she owns.
"I'm sticking with what I said," Busby responded.
Listed on the council agenda, Holt was considered for appointment in the following three roles: Budget Committee member, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital (Liason), and Airport Authority (Liason).
Busby's proposed amendment was met with a failing 6-3 vote, ultimately maintaining Holt's place for consideration over Busby's suggestion of Lowrance. Lowrance, Busby, and J.P. Stovall, District 1, all voted in favor of Busby's amendment.
The original motion that included Holt for appointment to the budget committee passed in an 8-1 vote, with Busby being the singular "no" vote.
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson council appointments to budget committee meets opposition
