News |
Variety in the Heartland |
Cities Withhold KLC Dues
03/08/10 MRC/AP
Criticism of the Kentucky League of Cities is mounting over a state audit that criticized its spending, and some member cities are withholding their dues.
Some cities are displeased that Kentucky League of Cities is keeping Deputy Director Neil Hackworth and Insurance Services chief William Hamilton in the top two posts.
Critical letters have been sent recently by the cities of Cold Spring, Flemingsburg and Taylor Mill.
Former Kentucky League of Cities executive director Sylvia Lovely resigned last summer after stories in The Lexington Herald-Leader detailed high salaries, excessive spending and conflicts of interest. Member cities pay dues to the league for service including for lobbying, financing and insurance services.
Board members have been traveling across the state over the last month on a "listening tour" to meet with officials in different cities.
Board chairman Mike Miller, the mayor of Jackson, declined to comment on future leadership. He said he went to six meetings on the listening tour and heard mostly positive comments.
The League has changed many of its spending and ethics policies; in addition, lawmakers have proposed legislation that requires the League to be more transparent. The league's board this week approved a search firm to find a new executive director within four months.
|
|
