Webb Criticizes Amendment Process at Blue Ridge Meeting

Blue Ridge Community Theatre President and Post One Commissioner Candidate Joe Webb voiced his criticism of the process of amending the Alcohol Ordinance this week. During its Tuesday night meeting, the Blue Ridge City Council approved the amendment after a months- long process. Although Webb thanked the mayor and council for the completion of the amendment, he criticized the length of time it took to complete.

“I believe having an attorney that doesn’t live in the city or the county prohibits us from getting through business quickly. I think the amount of time it has taken the lawyer to help us implement this was very excessive and not good public service,”

Webb said. The ordinance was amended to include sales of alcohol for non-profit groups, like the community theatre.

During the meeting council also approved the appointment of Patty Hampton to the Mountain Regional Library Board, the tourism budget and the sale of obsolete parts and vehicles from City Departments. While approving the purchase of upgrades for the city’s computer system, council tabled upgrades for the server in an effort to find upgrades under $8042. Additionally, in order to comply with ADA regulations, council approved $3000 for a Lift Chair for disabled residents for the City Pool.

In the Tuesday morning workshop, representatives from Liberty National Inc. delivered a presentation on a supplemental employee benefits package. According to the presentation, the plan allows employees to take benefits on a pre-tax basis, saving them money, and includes such insurance plans as life, accidental, cancer, and critical illness. During the evening meeting, council approved to offer the optional benefits package to all city employees.