City responds to allegations of nepotism, sales

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite GM

The City of Slaton continues to be under scrutiny of recent allegations of nepotism, reports of the City buying weapons from a business owned by City Administrator Mike Lamberson and other issues.

This in a time when Lamberson will step down in April and three of the four council positions open for election in May will result in three new faces on the Board.

Mayor Lynn Nowlin, Lamberson and Police Chief Trevor Barnes responded to all the allegations, stating that all is not what it seems in regards to comments about how the City is currently handling business.

One of these is in regard to firearm sales.

The City did make several purchases and questions were raised about whether or not the City was required to go out for bids.

Lamberson said however bids were not required in order for the City to purchase said items. “Any government agency does not have to bid out anything unless it’s over $50,000,” he said, adding this is State Law itself, in Chapter 252 in Texas Local Government Code, not the Charter. “Anything over $50,000 had to be bid out if not bought on Buy Board, which Buy Board already bids the stuff out.

“Anything under $50,000 is up to the City’s discretion where they want to buy it from. It does not fall into the bid process.”

Department heads are allowed to purchase items such as office supplies without Lamberson’s approval.

Nowlin added she and the City Commissioners must approve all bills during their regular meeting. They also have the ability to reject any bill individually.

For more information, please read the Thursday edition of The Slatonite.