Mayor LC Jones banged the gavel multiple times and ordered Councilman Aaron Rawls to “fall in order” just before City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, who is also acting Clerk of Council, motioned for a Martinsville Sheriff’s Deputy to remove Rawls from Council Chambers at a regular meeting Tuesday night.
The deputy escorted Rawls completely out of the City Hall building.
Jones accused Rawls of continuing to make personal attacks during the council comment period of the meeting. The deputy took Rawls by the arm and escorted him out during the final few minutes of the meeting.
A mostly full chamber included residents and interested citizens who spoke in support of the City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides’ over Council’s decision to have Jones negotiate her contract in light of a performance review that was conducted in October. In his comments, Rawls criticized other members of Council for entertaining an increase in executive pay during a time when real estate tax assessments have escalated and utility costs have risen.
Rawls has called a press conference to address the matter and finish his comments on the steps of City Hall today at noon.
