09/26/2025
Local Tourism Meeting Raises Questions About City Finances, Insurance, and Fire Department Unionization
At the September 15 Tourism meeting — held just days after Mayor Randall Weddle was impeached — three local legislators attended: Senator Brandon Storm, Rep. Derek Lewis, and Rep. Tom O’Dell Smith. The lawmakers addressed commissioners about the upcoming 2026 budget session and answered questions about possible appropriations.
A major topic of discussion centered on TreeTop Adventure, the Levi Jackson Park attraction destroyed in the May 16 tornado. The facility was not insured. Commissioners also discussed moving TreeTop Adventure to the Fairgrounds, raising new questions: is nothing at the Fairgrounds or Levi Jackson Park insured against property damage from natural disasters?
Meanwhile, new concerns have emerged within the city’s Fire Department. It was recently revealed that firefighters have unionized under Local 5534, with union president Jordan Barnard leading a “Hostile Work Environment” petition against city council members. The petition cites threats and remarks, but no specific incidents or names have been detailed. Council members, notably, do not play any role in hiring or firing employees.
Even more troubling, questions remain about how the union dues are being deducted. By law, collective bargaining agreements must be presented to a legislative body for approval. So far, no such item has appeared on the council’s agenda. Yet payroll deductions for union dues are already being processed. Who authorized this?
Finally, officials and residents are asking: what happens if the union chooses to strike? Who will provide emergency fire services to protect local businesses and residents in such a case?
