Leeds — A hot topic regarding Leeds city employee wages was on the agenda at Monday night’s Leeds council meeting.

Voting whether or not to approve a one-time pay increase for December compensation sparked a debate between council members. Wanting to commend city workers for a job well done the issue was to give $500 per employee a one-time pay increase compensation. Councilman Johnny Kyle did not agree.

“Mayor, I know I’m going to be the bad guy here, but I think we’re doing wrong with this. Yes our employees do a good job, but the economy is bad right now. We have people being laid off and here we are giving tax money away,” Kyle said.

Defending his choice to approve the one-time compensation, Mayor Eric Patterson let the council and those in attendance know this had already been budgeted for and made clear that this is not a bonus, but a one-time increase for December compensation. “We’re trying to do something to positively impact our employees. We know we’re in a recession. We’re very conservative with our funds,” said Patterson.

Councilwoman Susan Carswell backed the mayor, saying, “I understand what Mr. Kyle is saying, but this may be the only time we can reward our employees. I know they work very hard and give 100 percent to the city.”

Kyle reiterated, “I just don’t see it at this time.”

Explaining why he abstained from voting, Councilman Kenneth Washington said, “This is my thinking—we have some good employees and I respect them a whole lot. I have no problem giving these employees a raise, but I as a mayor and council, I believe the communication needs to be a whole lot better. The communication part is what I have a problem with.”

Trying to clarify the situation, Councilwoman Charlotte Ernest let Washington know the one-time increase for December compensation had been budgeted since October and a lengthy work session had been held to discuss it.

The one-time pay increase was approved by a vote of 3 (Patterson, Carswell and Ernest) to 1 (Kyle) with Washington abstaining.

Other business discussed was:

* A motion was made to proceed with plans for a baseball project pavilion. The pavilion will be handicap accessible and approximately 20x36 in size. The council budgeted for $40,000 and the bid came in at $39,570.01. The motion was approved by a 4 to 1 vote with Kyle voting no.