ATLANTA - The Atlanta Community Schools Board of Education approved board payment procedures during its meeting Thursday, despite clashing viewpoints and disagreements with the way bills are authorized and paid.
"The bills are authorized and paid by the superintendent and a designee in advance of any board meeting. This has been in place before, and it's time to designate it again," board Vice President, John Fazekas said.
Board Secretary Laurel Orm disagreed, and said she was unaware the bills were being paid in advance.
"I didn't know that we were doing this, and I don't agree with it. It conflicts with board policy and duties," Orm said.
However, Fazekas said the policy already wa approved and in place, and payment procedures are explained in policy No. 3750 located in the board policy book.
"I agree that the bills can be approved, but not sent out. What if someone doesn't agree with something on the bill? I think it's illegal and I don't agree with it. The board is responsible of finances and district funds," Orm said.
Board member Roselyn Ferguson said the policy was put in place on June 12, 2006. She said the bills always have been paid in advance and the board approves paid bills during its meetings.
"I didn't know that we were approving paid bills, not paying the bills," Orm said.
After a long discussion Fazekas said the payment procedure has been in place and has been running smoothly, but not all board members were happy.
Payment procedures policy No. 3750 was approved, with Orm the lone dissenting vote.
In other business:
Emily Siegmon can be reached via e-mail at esiegmon@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.