The council went into executive session Monday to talk about the good name and character of Robert Lee Bragg. The executive session lasted only five minutes, and when the council returned, they made a motion to ask Bragg to resign.
Bragg, 33, of Ashville, was one of three former Whitney Junction volunteer firefighters who were arrested earlier this month after being indicted for the theft of fire department funds.
Bragg was indicted by a St. Clair County Northern Division grand jury in April for theft of property second degree.
St. Clair County Assistant District Attorney Carol Boone said theft of property second degree is a Class C felony and if convicted of the charge, a suspect could serve one year and one day and up to 10 years in prison.
Boone also said Bragg, along with former Whitney Junction firefighters Brian Keith Barbee, 50, of Steele, and Jason Scott Jovzpary, 24, of Ashville, are tentatively scheduled to appear in St. Clair County Circuit Court for their arraignment the second week in June.
Ashville Fire Chief Mike Barry said Bragg has worked with Ashville Fire Department for the past two years.
Mayor Robert McKay said Bragg turned in his resignation Tuesday afternoon at the municipal building.
Also at the meeting, the council approved the refinancing of the Series 2002 Water & Sewer Warrants, which resulted in a present value savings of almost $84,000.
Ashville was given an A+/Stable credit rating from Standard & Poor’s for their Series 2012 Water & Sewer Warrants. It is the first time Ashville has received a rating from a credit rating agency.
The strong investment grade rating will allow Ashville to access the bond and bank markets at lower rates than many other cities and utility boards. Ashville is one of the smallest cities or utility boards in Alabama with an A+ rating.
In other business, the council;
• Approved the minutes of the May 7 council meeting.
• Approved the payment of the City/Water & Sewer bills.
• Approved the annual Water Pollution Prevention report.
Contact Gary Hanner at ghanner@thestclairtimes.com.
