MAYOR AND TOWN MANAGER STILL AT IT

The Union Observer did an article about the Mayor and Town Manager feuding over what appears to be everything possible. This time the subject is very serious and deals with authorization of tax dollars being spent on "things" the Mayor has deemed necessary. Rather than taking any blame for this or other items mentioned in this blog, she consistently justifies her actions. Explaining that you did wrong for what you thought was a good reason doesn't make your actions correct. Technically speaking, the Mayor has broken no policy due to the fact that up until a couple of months ago they never followed an official policy. The fact is that under the Manager/Council form of government that Indian Trail exists under no where is the Mayor authorized to pay anyone for anything at anytime.
I was curious and asked a couple former Mayors of Indian Trail and Stallings. Lucy Drake indicated that with authorization she could spend up to $500, but without authorization NOTHING. Ed Smith stated that in the four years he was Mayor he never authorized any money payments and in fact was reimbursed partially for candy that was given out at the Stallings VFD one Halloween.
The disturbing thing about this abuse is that somewhere along the line, though never officially stated by council, the mayor was allowed to get away with such money authorizations. Either the process by which payments are made is flawed, or some of the people in the process have flawed. Either way the money has to be tightened to ensure our tax dollars are not spent in a frivelous manner.
I don't believe any one party in this escapade to be totally at fault. If Ms. Shubert wanted to speak with the vendor about his bills, she should have made the calls. If Sandy Moore did indeed receive a call from her friend asking about payment, she should have inquired with the Town Manager about payment. Never, ever should the Town Manager be left out of the loop on a payment such as this. The finance people should have known better also...the Mayor is primarily a figure head position, votes when a tie occurs, and conducts the meeting. No financial ability exists unless it is given to the Mayor by the council.
The games people are playing should stop. Its not healthy for the staff, citizens, or the town as a whole. The previous Town Manager is GONE...period...not coming back...move on. The previous town clerk...same thing. Tighten up the process by which we pay bills and get on with other important projects. Soon it may not be just a technicality about an arguement between legal and ethical... Fiscal responsibility is very important especially with tax dollars and with a tax increase coming someone could possibly be sued for such acts.