Melton defends involvement with contracted crew

The Clarion-Ledger, 10/25/7

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton said Thursday he initially paid the Wood Street Lawn Service and helped it obtain insurance and bonding but never sought or accepted reimbursement from the city.

Melton spoke in response to the state auditor’s office on Tuesday getting from City Hall documents that showed payments made to the lawn service and other issues possibly related to Melton.

The mayor said he paid the lawn service until it could earn city contracts on its own. Melton said he would provide canceled checks to prove that when he returns to Jackson next week.