After some strong words from Commissioner Charlotte Peak-Jones and County Mayor D. Gary Davis, the Bradley County Commission on Monday reversed itself on a vote that Ms. Peak-Jones said would have abolished the county stormwater program.
The commission initially voted 7-6 on a resolution to change some of the wording in the current stormwater regulation.
Several commission members said they resented the federal and state governments mandating such items as how to deal with water runoff.
Eight votes were needed on the 14-member commission to pass so the measure failed.
Commissioner Peak-Jones said it was "just a housekeeping measure."
She said the failure to pass it meant that the stormwater division would be abolished, its employees would lose their jobs and the county would be fined.
The commissioner said without the stormwater department "we can't make people clean their messes up. We have no option but to do this."
She said without the program in place, "bring your shovels and your boots."
County Mayor Davis said, "I agree with you in theory, but all we are doing is updating regulations. It's something we've got to do. If we don't, we're in violation of several requirements."
He said if that happens, "It's on the County Commission, not on the county mayor's office."
Commissioner Terry Caywood, saying he was still unhappy about the mandates, moved to reconsider. The revote had nine in favor and four opposed with one absent.