Danielsville council votes to replace funds taken by tax lien

The federal government seized the funds, totaling $37, 480 (including penalties and interest) after it was discovered during the investigation of former city clerk Michelle Dills that the taxes had not been paid, according to current city clerk Connie Riley.

The city agreed to replace the earmarked funds with $28,500 from a $200,000 line of credit from First Madison Bank and another $8,980 from the general fund.

Mayor Glenn Cross said they hope to hear from Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents next week on the results of their investigation concerning the alleged theft of city funds by Dills. Cross thanked city attorney Victor Johnson, new city clerk Connie Riley and Becky Delay for their help in the matter.

The council discussed, but took no action on, changing a city ordinance that allows the mayor to vote only in case of a tie to allow the mayor to always have a vote. Cross said he would prefer to leave the ordinance as it is, with the mayor voting only as needed to break a tie. Councilwoman Junne Temple said she would prefer to consider the matter after a new councilperson takes office following the special election on March 17.

Cross thanked city employees for their hard work during the storm, noting that they also checked on many citizens to make sure they were OK. He also noted that they had begun picking up downed tree limbs from the storm and mulching them.

“They are to be commended,” Cross said.