SOUTH VINEMONT, Ala.- Tensions were high at the South Vinemont Council’s Tuesday evening work session and regular meeting. At April’s work session, council member Sonya Copeland presented Mayor Radginal Dodson, the council members and others with a list of reasons she felt was “why South Vinemont has not improved over the years.” She hand–selected excerpts and topics from meetings as examples and Tuesday night Town Clerk Kayecea Sasser delivered a response.
Following last month’s work session meeting, Copeland did not stay for the regular council meeting. Tuesday night, based on Copeland’s questions and insinuations, Larry Cooke, who is a certified public accountant and has conducted the audits for the Town of South Vinemont for at least the past six years, was present to explain any questions or concerns Copeland might have. Also in attendance was the Town’s attorney Roy Williams Jr.
As the work session began, Mayor Dodson asked if anyone had any questions or discussions regarding the minutes or financials. Copeland asked, “Why wasn’t your (Dodson) paycheck in with the financials?”
Sasser replied, “All of the council and everybody got paid.” Sasser would later point out the check in the financials that was issued to the mayor.
Larry Cooke was then asked to address questions stemming from the April work session. Cooke said, “In 2019, there were no discrepancies as such. I think the only note we had, pertained to the budget. The general fund budget had included the revenue from capital improvement funds and those funds should not be included in a general fund budget. It’s not a major thing.”
He continued, “It had nothing to do with the financial statements whatsoever. The financial statements were clean.” Cooke went over the financial statements with the mayor and council, including an increase in the net position of the town. He said, “In September of 2014, you were $1.7 million and at the end of 2019, you were right at $2.2 million.”
Cooke also reported the town’s revenues increased from $488,000 to $607,000 from 2015-2019. Dodson asked, “I have been accused of stealing $269,000 and I would like to know how we figured that?” Cooke replied, “It would be sort of impossible. When you started out, you didn’t have that much. If somebody has some paperwork or something showing $269,000, if the mayor and council would like it, I would be glad to sit down and look over it.”
Copeland then asked, “How do you get these findings? What do you audit?” Cooke responded, “The books.” He added, “Mayor, I would say, if anybody had stolen that much, the town would be bankrupt and it’s not. There’s no way. Absolutely no way.”
Dodson said, “I have been smeared and I have been bad-mouthed on Facebook and in the media and I am about tired of it. Some way, shape, form or fashion, this is going to have to stop. I want it settled tonight one way or another. I am old and set in my ways and I’ve had enough. Unless you can provide some paperwork to back up what you say, I don’t want to hear any more about it. You understand me?”
Copeland argued, “I just asked a question about your paycheck not being in the financials for this month that we are sitting here to review. Do not come and talk to me like you are my father because you are not, sir!!”
Councilmember Chris Thompson came to Dodson’s defense, “He is not talking to you like…he is stating truth-stating facts.”
Copeland continued, “Why isn’t his paycheck in my books? We are talking about this month that we are here to review. Why isn’t it in there? That would put us negative for the month! Simple questions I’m asking, and I can’t even get answers.”
Sasser stepped in to say, “I have the same financials you have.” Sasser then directed Copeland to where the check to Dodson was issued. Copeland then asked, “How much was the check for?” Sasser explained, “We will not disclose that information. It violates tax laws..”
Copeland’s husband interjected, “It’s public information. It’s public information.” Sasser came back, “No, public information is his gross, not his bring home. That violates tax–payer laws.” Attorney Williams backed Sasser’s explanation.
After a few moments of silence, Dodson said, “Since we can’t come to an agreement somewhere, I don’t know where (inaudible), I apologize for what I have done to aggravate you but-” Copeland interrupted, “You haven’t done anything! I’ve asked a couple of questions. I am new and trying to learn; that’s all I am trying to do. I ask a couple of questions and dadgum, if y’all don’t come at me like I’m the worst person ever. I don’t understand it.”
Dodson replied, “We don’t understand where the numbers are coming from. All we are asking is, if you can show us where the numbers are coming from, hey, that’s all we are asking really. So far, we haven’t been shown. All we’ve done is media accusations.”
The financials and minutes were approved in the regular meeting with Copeland abstaining from voting.
In other business
The council is planning a community movie night June 19 at the town’s walking trail. The plan is to rent the equipment and based on the interest from the community, the town would consider purchasing equipment for future movie nights. The movie, Toy Story 4, will be free to attend. The projected date is June 19, with a time to be determined.
The council also approved a donation of $300 for the Cullman County Sheriff Department Rodeo.
The Town of South Vinemont Town Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. The community is invited to attend.
Copyright 2021 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
