Overview
- City Council is scheduled to vote Wednesday on using the Stormwater Fund to tear down abandoned buildings.
- Mayor John Whitmire argues demolitions would curb illegal dumping that clogs ditches, says the spending was budgeted, and cites the city attorney’s legal approval.
- Controller Chris Hollins refused to certify the spending in November and alleges the administration advanced it by expanding an existing contract to avoid his oversight.
- ABC13 found continued dumping at a site the city cleared in August 2025 at a cost of $272,465, which Hollins cites to question the plan’s effectiveness.
- The administration says roughly 340 structures could be removed, while Hollins warns approval would set a precedent for diverting dedicated drainage funds and urges council to reject the proposal.