City workers vocal at council meeting

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - City workers packed the Mobile city council meeting Tuesday morning. Emotions ran high as Mayor Sam Jones proposed a 10 percent pay cut for all city employees.

The city said for the past two years there has been a 20 percent drop in revenue. Mayor Sam Jones said the only way to save $14 million this fiscal year is to cut city employees pay by ten percent.

The mayor presented his proposal to city council members.

Captain Bryan Lee with Mobile Fire Rescue was one of the first people to ask city council members not to cut his pay. Lee said city workers aren't to blame for the $14 million deficit, but they're being asked to carry the burden.

"The problem is everyone's problem. The city council can pass a temporary tax," said Capt. Lee.

Then Lee addressed Mayor Sam Jones.

"Mayor, it is time to do the right thing and resign," Capt. Lee said.

The mayor didn't bat at eye. Instead he said it's either cut pay or 300 people from the payroll.

"This is not a time to find somebody to blame. This is a time to find a solution. Who do you blame for the economy?" asked Mayor Jones.

The city council said it was blind sided by the dire straits of the city's budget. Mayor Jones says that's not true.

"We give finance reports at every meeting, they knew," Mayor Jones said.

Twenty-five hundred families would be affected by the pay cut. City workers feel everyone should pitch in to help.

Reggie Copeland said he thinks the people of Mobile should step up to the plate and help.

"That's what I'm thinking," said Copeland.

Copeland seemed in favor of some kind of tax to get over the slump.

William Carroll proposed a garbage collection fee of $15 a month.

Connie Hudson said she was against the pay cuts, and against any new taxes.

The city council did not vote on any of the plans Tuesday.

Councilwoman Gina Gregory said she's not sure when they will vote.