Grand Ridge mayor, manager settle differences
Floridan Correspondent
Published: November 13, 2009
Grand Ridge is hoping the internal turmoil from last month is no longer going to cause problems, and it looks as if the town council may get its wish.
This month’s town council meeting was a very different affair than last month’s, where Mayor Chris Wright and town manager J.R. Moneyham had words.
The issue stems from last month, when the Wright ordered Moneyham to remove his belongings from his assigned town vehicle, after alleging that Moneyham was using the vehicle for non-town related business.
Wright alleged that the Moneyham used the vehicle when he was coming to Marianna for jury duty. Moneyham countered that he had scheduled town-related meetings in the county seat at the same time.
Wright also edited Moneyham’s timecard during that period before approving it. Moneyham was unaware of the changes Wright made.
“When we submit them and they get changed without us knowing, there are labor laws issues,” Moneyham said.
During the October meeting, Moneyham and Wright aired their grievances and respective viewpoints.
The other council members reversed Wright’s decision regarding the town manager’s timecard, and gave back the town vehicle to Moneyham. The council also said that because of the recent issues, the council should approve the manager’s timesheet in future.
Other council members noted Moneyham’s record as town manager and his efforts to obtain funding, while keeping the property tax rate at zero.
The issue of who will approve the manager’s timecard was brought up again during the town’s November meeting. According to the town clerk, an auditor said there needed to be clarification on timesheet approval.
Other council members have approved the timesheet during the last month. Councilman Jim Neel argued the mayor has always approved the manager’s timesheet, and there was no reason to change it. Other council members agreed, but said the timesheets could not be changed. If there are problems, then it needs to be brought to the council.
“We all need to be on the same page,” Councilwoman Kim Applewhite said.
Neither Wright or Moneyham objected. Both stated their desire to work for the good of the town.
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Reader Reactions
I’m backing my Mayor on this one. There’s no telling what else Moneyham used for his personal use in his time as town manager. I’m glad we have Chris as mayor. I’m hoping that after getting stood up to a few times, Moneyham will whimper down and crawl away. Keep it up Chris, you town backs you up.
How nice to make town business at the same time his jury duty is LOL.
coleridge u might be shocked after our last posts lol but I do have to agree with you on this one. unfortunately the city did back up the one person that was going to stand up to Sir Moneyham.. That is why we voted for him. Starting to think we will never be able to get Grand Ridge out of his back pocket.
Moneyham deserved to have his town vehicle taken away. He has been using it up for years for his own personal affairs. With the enormous salary he makes for his city job, and the money he made off his dirty cesspool toilet deal, you think the man would put his miles on his own truck. I stand up for chris wright and I am sorry the city doesn’t back the one person that has dared to stand up to Sir Moneyham. Keep it up Chris.
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