Citing a state law that allows city board members to sign city checks, McComb selectmen did just that at a special Wednesday afternoon meeting, clearing the way for city employees to receive their paychecks today.
Selectmen voted 4-0 to approve a resolution allowing board members to sign checks. Selectman Robert Earl Smith presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Zach Patterson and Selectman Melvin Joe Johnson, who is mayor pro tem.
Smith, who could not vote since he presided over the meeting, said he did not object to the resolution.
The move came a day after Patterson said he would no longer sign city checks. He said that recently approved amendments to the city charter dilute his powers, and he cannot be held accountable for funds he no longer has authority over.
It took the board 15 minutes to approve the resolution. The board also agreed to use electronic signatures to sign the checks and filled out signature cards for First Bank, where the city has its accounts.
City Attorney Wayne Dowdy said Wednesday that state law allows a majority of the board to sign the checks. The city clerk must verify the signatures.
“The law says, ‘The warrants or checks shall be signed by the mayor or a majority of the board and attested by the clerk,’ ” Dowdy said.
Selectmen said Wednesday they had received calls from city employees and their families expressing anger at Patterson’s announcement.
“Everybody will get paid Thursday,” Selectman Wade Lamb said. “They will receive a paper check. It is my understanding that the checks will be ready by noon, so people can pick them up and take them to their bank to deposit.”
