May 20, 2008
Open Letter to Benton County
Last night at the Benton County Commission meeting the commission approved the agenda for their meeting. Included was Resolution No. 6519-33 which concerns county payroll in the amount of $16,000. Mayor Wiseman opened the floor for citizens to speak for two minutes. As I begin to speak, Mayor Wiseman called me out of order after having read only two sentences of my remarks which are included below. At this point he ordered the Benton County Sheriff to escort me from the meeting. In my absence Mrs. Mary Hughes was allowed to speak on the same issue. As I stood at the door of the meeting, I knew that I must find a way to be heard. The Mayor had put our county in DANGER. This man's pride and poor judgment had provided me with the perfect case of violating my FREE SPEECH and an opportunity to sue the county in Federal Court. I asked Sheriff Tony King to show the Mayor the agenda and to reconsider his ruling. The Sheriff did this and the Mayor relented. I was able to complete my remarks.
While I am offended that my FIRST AMENDMENT rights were violated and know that our Mayor owes me a public apology, I felt that the greater good of the county would be best served by overlooking his stupidity. We are already paying for several lawsuits and are facing a very STIFF tax increase this year.
Most realize that County Mayor Wiseman is deficient in some areas and incompetent in most and is in way over his head. This misbehavior by our Mayor cannot continue. Targeting me, Mr. Mayor, because you are embarrassed by your actions or lack thereof in letting the payroll clerk Pam Petrino cost the taxpayers nearly $5,000 is no way to govern. You have had your free pass, Mr. Mayor.
Now is the time for all of us to call the Mayor and voice our displeasure regarding the unnecessary cost of nearly $5,000 to the taxpayers of Benton County. Fire Pam Petrino.
MAY 19, 2008
REMARKS TO THE COUNTY COMMISSION
My name is Henry Berry and I reside in the first Civil District of Benton County. In the audit from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, Division of County Audits for the year ended June 30, 2007 auditors found, "payroll deduction accounts were not reconciled with payroll reports and payments in the general fund."
Since October of last year the payroll clerk has failed to complete the payroll in a timely manner. Thus, we have paid penalties and interest to the Internal Revenue Service totaling nearly $5,000.
Tonight, you commissioners will be asked to vote on Resolution No. 6519-33 to fund a $16,000 short fall to Social Security to finish out less than two months remaining in this year. Social Security is part of payroll.
I wonder why the Budget committee had no questions on this resolution.
What happen to the money?
Why another problem with doing the payroll on time?
Folks in Benton County are having a hard time paying for food and gas and I feel that this commission should find out what is going on and take the proper action to put a stop to this misuse of public funds.
Incompetence in the Mayor's office must be answered by the Mayor.
What say you Mr. Mayor?
Henry Berry