A proposal to use a portion of the 2003 Christmas banquet funds for a Thanksgiving dinner for the Department of Corrections inmates came under fire by Councilman Bobby Richardson.

Richardson brought up problems with the inmates in the past and how the city has spent almost $20,000, not including attorney fees. "I just don't think it's necessary to spend another $750 on the inmates," said Richardson.

"I don't think we need to penalize the others who are over there now," responded Mayor T.L. Gramling

In the end, a Thanksgiving dinner for inmates won by a 5-2 vote. Richardson was joined in opposition by Councilman Jerry Don Henry, who had previously spoken in favor of the dinner. The banquet will occur the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

A motion was unanimously approved to fill the council vacancy in Ward 2 due to the resignation of council member Danny McCuistion on Oct. 21. No one has been named to fill the post.