OILTON – A discussion surrounding proposed pay increases escalated into a tense exchange during the July 8 meeting of the Oilton City Council council. A video recording of the meeting revealed a heated moment with Mayor Patrick Kennedy visibly agitated and forcefully hitting a desk with a gavel — an action that damaged city property, according to Vice Mayor Julia Bagwell.
“I can only speak for myself, but what I witnessed during the July 8 meetings was deeply concerning. The mayor’s behavior — including yelling, cursing under his breath, and slamming the gavel with such force it damaged city property — created a hostile and intimidating atmosphere,” she said.
“I think it’s fair to say that we’re frustrated,” said Council Member Brian Barton.
Barton said frustration was a feeling for officials and citizens alike for reasons outside of just the matters on the agenda — “There are improvements that need to be made in our town and that is why people are frustrated”.
The discussion began with an agenda item that was listed as a pay raise for police officers during which it was revealed there was a pay scale that was not being followed. Following considerable back and forth as well as consistent interruptions, the matter was moved to approve based on pay scale rates. Barton stepped in to clarify his position following the motion from Bessie Mattaliano and second from Julia Bagwell.
“The city is hurting for money in a number of areas and this applies to OPWA (Oilton Public Works Authority) as well. I’m not against people who are doing a good job getting a raise. I don’t like the fact that almost every city employee in one manner or another is on here for a pay raise — that’s not responsible. I like the idea of us following the pay scale,” Barton said.
He then went on to ask why the pay scale had not been kept up with to which the City’s CPA Amy Hale said that in the past officers had not stayed long enough for the city to make those adjustments and that the city office was responsible for having that done. At this point, Kennedy asked if the funds were available for pay raises.
“Do you have the money in there, yes or no, Amy,” he questioned Hale.
Hale began to answer with Kennedy stating he wanted a yes or no. Council member Tyler Birdwell said Hale needed time to answer to which Kennedy raised his voice further stating “We ain’t got the money, Tyler” followed by hammering the gavel onto the table. The meeting returned to a more civilized interaction following the flare of tempers, at which point, Hale was able to answer that the increase was possible.
“We have some room — very little room — as long as it stays two full-time officers and a chief,” she said. “The budget is based on the full-time officers making a maximum of $17.50 an hour which currently they do not make. . . Is the cash there? That’s another story but is the budget there? Yes.”
According to city attorney Adam Heavin, if the direction was to follow the pay scale there was no action that needed to be taken. Hale reiterated all that was needed was for city officials to inform her when a scheduled pay increase was warranted, per the pay scale. No action was taken.
Several council members and Mayor Kennedy were contacted for comments following the meeting. Kennedy, Mattaliano, Bonnie Casey, and Sharlie Jackson did not respond by press time. Ry Hollingsworth responded that he was not at the meeting and redirected inquiries to other council members.
Bagwell said she believed public meetings should be conducted with respect and professionalism and that she has formally requested a breakdown of the mayor’s spending for the city and the OPWA, concluding her statement with “I’m committed to following the proper channels to ensure accountability and transparency”.
Barton said he encouraged the mayor to do better and that he was willing to help in that aspect where he could.