Marion City Council deadlocks over emergency water system repair designation, $100K loan

The Marion City Council was unable on Monday to approve major issues regarding an emergency resolution to repair a broken water pump and to get a $100,000 line of credit to prevent an end-of-the-year shortfall. 

In the meeting that was marred by tense debate, split votes and lingering questions over the city’s finances and water system repairs, Mayor Dexter Hinton urged the council to adopt an emergency resolution that would allow for urgent repairs to a city water pump that failed on Nov. 20 and caused a citywide water outage for several days. 

He explained that declaring the pipe repair work done to get water flowing again on Nov. 23 as an emergency would allow for payment through grants from Alabama Department of Environmental Management that was already outlined in the city’s rehabilitation plan. 

Council members questioned the process and cost, noting that no invoice had yet been submitted. Councilwoman Ann LeCroy pressed for clarity on whether the repairs involved water or sewer, while Councilman Stanley Kennie criticized the mayor for failing to notify members during the emergency. 

The resolution failed in a 3-3 stalemate, with Hinton, Councilmen Tommie Kennie and Jeremy Arrington voting in favor, and Council members LeCroy, Willie Jackson and Stanley Kennie opposed.  

The debate escalated into a heated exchange between Hinton and Kennie over the city’s handling of the November water outage. Kennie accused the mayor of blocking efforts to bypass the system by connecting to the Perry County system and restoring service more quickly.  

Hinton said they tried to connect the two systems for six hours, but it did not work. He said previously that he is in favor of working out the problems in connecting the systems to have that back up. 

The dispute highlighted ongoing tensions over communication and authority during emergencies, with Kennie suggesting council members “override the mayor” to ensure citizens receive water. 

Council members also raised concerns about the city’s financial audits and looming deadlines. Hinton reported that audits from 2013 through 2022 had been completed, with the 2023 audit due by Dec. 22. He said the city had paid $170,000 to reconcile past audits but added there were delays caused by the recent municipal election and the extensive documentation required. 

LeCroy emphasized the need for a budget work session as the city prepares for 2026, warning that prioritization and transparency are critical to avoid losing funds. 

Hinton introduced a resolution to secure a $100,000 line of credit through Hope Credit Union and other agencies, citing financial strain during the year’s final months. He explained that the arrangement would be facilitated through nonprofit partner Black Belt Community Foundation, similar to past credit agreements. 

Skeptical council members questioned why banks would extend credit without existing accounts. The measure also failed in a tied vote, reflecting the same division as the emergency resolution. 

The council could agree on one thing: to hold a work session on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. to review audits, budgets and outstanding questions.