JONESTOWN — The state IRS paid a visit to Jonestown City Hall on Friday, Feb. 8 claiming the city owes $214,000 in most likely back taxes going all the way to 2004, according to mayor Kenny Lester.
Alderman Unta Wiley said the issues were from previous administrations.
“So what are we supposed to be discussing?” said alderman Gregory Neely Sr.
“We’ve got to pay it,” replied Lester.
“So pay it,” said Neely in response. “What are we going to talk about?”
“How are we going to pay it?” asked Lester.
“Pay it when you get the money,” Neely suggested. “That’s it. There ain’t nothing else to talk about. We don’t know nothing about it. That stuff happened over 20 some years ago.”
Neely said a report was needed from the IRS before the council talks about anything.
“I just took it in good faith to bring it to your attention,” Lester said.
As Neely attempted to respond, Lester said, “You’re catching an attitude. I wasn’t here in 2004. It doesn’t bother me.”
Neely said he was not on the city council either.
“I just took it in good faith to bring it to your attention,” said Lester for a second time.
“That was your job,” said Neely in rebuttal. “It wasn’t in good faith.”
Lester said he would let the IRS deal with the issue whenever it comes up. He noted he was also told the public officials would have to pay the $214,000 back out of their own pockets.
“It ain’t going to come from no individuals,” he said.
Wiley said the issue should be discussed during the March meeting.
Neely felt the mayor did not bring any information about the $214,000 debt.
“Why do you put this on the agenda?” Neely said. “You’ve got to report. You call us to a meeting. You come in empty handed and give us nothing, but you want us to discuss it. How can we do that?”
After the meeting, Lester said the city would be in compliance with the IRS, but he is not sure how the debt will be paid off.
“We don’t know that yet until we get word from them on how the payment’s set up,” Lester said.
