CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A vote on whether to expand COVID premium pay for city department heads in Clarksville failed for lack of a second on Thursday.

While that motion failed, this may not be the end of the conversation as the sponsor of the ordinance, Councilperson Wanda Allen, intends to bring the idea back up next month.

Three COVID pay ordinances

Three ordinances were on Thursday’s agenda dealing with COVID hazard pay, or premium pay.

The first ordinance, sponsored by Allen, would provide up to $6,000 in additional premium pay to all department heads, giving them the full $7,500 amount as opposed to the $1,500 they initially received. It failed for lack of a second.

The second ordinance would expand hazard pay to retirees and to the families of those who died due to COVID, but that measure was no longer needed as that decision had already been made.

“The Finance Committee voted in favor of disapproval of this because of the fact that this has actually already been accomplished. So, as a reminder, we ask that no one second this,” said Councilperson Stacy Streetman before the vote. As requested, no second was made.

The third ordinance would extend pay to just four employees. It was also sponsored by Allen. It was moved under new business, and it was only needed if the first ordinance failed.

Motion for renewal

Following the Finance Committee report, questions arose about the first ordinance dealing with department heads.

“I’d like to ask a question to Mr. (Lance) Baker. I had intended to second the ordinance amending the operating budget for 2023,” said Councilperson Karen Reynolds. “Isn’t there a procedure where we can vote to bring that back up if we missed the second?”

After consulting Robert’s Rules of Order, City Attorney Lance Baker explained the item could be brought forth again as a motion for renewal if the measure was changed.

“To be a proper motion for renewal, it has to be somewhat different,” Baker said, noting this could not be during the same session where the original ordinance failed.

As the third ordinance was dependent on the one that could be renewed, Allen moved to postpone the third measure to next month, and that passed 12-0.