Showdown set over financial records

The Clarion-Ledger, 12/31/8

Mayor Frank Melton told the Jackson City Council on Tuesday that nothing short of a subpoena will force him to turn over basic financial documents requested by the chairman of the city’s Budget Committee.

It is the latest in a series of clashes between the council and the mayor’s administration about what information the council is entitled to and when the council should get it.

Councilman Jeff Weill has asked for copies of the city’s 1099 and W-2 records for the past several years. The federal tax forms track payment to employees and contract workers.

City officials told Weill earlier this month the city would not give him the information without the support of the majority of the council.