SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) - The mayor of Southaven is getting a new ride. On May 1, the Board of Alderman approved a new $35,000 city-issued vehicle for Mayor Davis.
Since November, Mayor Davis and his spending have been under the microscope. A portion of that related to mileage reimbursement. Looking to clear things up, the board thought they should get the Mayor a vehicle to use for city business.
"We are already in discussions with him on some guidelines, things to follow," said Alderman Ronnie Hale.
Currently, Mayor Davis is reimbursed any time he uses his own vehicle.
The vote comes as Mayor Davis prepares to head to court Wednesday in Southaven.
The mayor was charged in late March with passing a school bus and for using flashing blue lights in a private vehicle. The SUV used to be his official car, but city employees told abc24.com the mayor bought it for private use several years ago.
"We are going to plead not guilty, we will tell you that," said Mayor Davis as he left the board meeting. "You never know. We will wait and let the judge decide. That's his job."
The board also voted Tuesday night to review its options in the city attorney position.
"We just want to make sure we are getting the best representation," said Hale. "The city is so big, so many things going on, we need somebody who is going to have more expertise in municipal law and things like that; we are just making a change for the better if it comes up."
The board hopes to hear from interested lawyers and firms later this month.
