A Brookhaven resident questioned use of city resources Tuesdayafter seeing Mayor Bill Godbold and Traffic Supervisor Jimmy Furlowat a Wesson liquor store one morning earlier this month.

While not denying being at the store, Furlow strongly rejectedJohn Perkins’ assertion that the traffic supervisor and Godboldwere in a city vehicle at the time. Furlow said he was driving themayor’s personal truck, but Perkins said he thought it had citymarkings.

“You need to get your glasses changed,” Furlow told Perkinsduring last night’s board meeting.

While Perkins backed off the city vehicle allegation, aldermenopted to carry the matter over until the next board meeting untilGodbold could be present. The mayor was out of town accepting anaward on behalf of the late Brookhaven High School coach R.L.Therrell.

Earlier in his appearance, Perkins questioned use of cityvehicles for personal reasons. Ward 4 Alderman Bob Massengill saida new city handbook under development forbids the practice, whileother officials said current policy has similar prohibitions.

Massengill denied Perkins’ characterization that his concernswere shrugged off by the alderman and that the mayor’s activity wascommon knowledge.

“I don’t think the majority of the citizens of Brookhaven knowthis is going on,” Perkins said.

After the meeting, Massengill said he recalled citing the citypolicy during his conversation with Perkins. Furlow had no othercomment on the incident when asked later.

In another matter, Perkins questioned the board regardingprogress of pre-employment screenings for prospective employees andcity contact with Insurance Commissioner George Dale regardingassistance with insurance costs.

City Clerk Iris Rudman Smith said she has scheduled anappointment to King’s Daughters Medical Center clinic to discussthe facility conducting physicals. Regarding contacting Dale, Smithdid not recall that being part of the board minutes, but she saidshe would be willing to do.

Perkins said the county has a similar employee health insurancepolicy to the city’s, yet it costs the county about $150 less peremployee.

“I think there’s a discrepancy there that needs to beaddressed,” Perkins said.

Massengill said one difference in the costs is the city’s claimshistory. However, he said officials could not discuss employeehealth matters.

In other personnel move, aldermen delayed action on approving apart-time secretary for the mayor’s office. Furlow said thepart-time person, who was at work Monday, was filling in while thefull-time person is on vacation this week.

Ward 5 Alderman Tom Smith cited a board policy that newemployees appear at the board meeting when their hiring isapproved. He mentioned concerns from city departments about theemployee appearances and indicated a need to be consistent.

“They all ought to do it or not have to do it at all,” Smithsaid.

Ward 3 Alderman the Rev. Jerry L. Wilson said the part-timeperson should not be paid until approved by the board.

Massengill said the delay would mean the mayor’s office wouldnot have a secretary this week.

“Is that what we want to do?” Massengill asked.

Officials agreed that a special meeting could be held, possiblyas early as Wednesday, to approve the employment after the mayorreturns.