By Jessica Dillon
Vice Mayor Kathy Lawson on Dec. 16 called for an official investigation into alleged wrongdoing, asking Interim City Manager Rob Fincher to look into claims made by City Council member Aaron Rawls during a Dec. 11 press conference.
During the event, Rawls alleged wrongdoing among council members. He also alleged corruption that predated his time on council.
“Every day, I’ve been waiting for various arms of law enforcement to deal with these folks,” Rawls said. “I was upset we didn’t have indictments this past round. If we don’t have them by February, I don’t know what else to do. I don’t want citizens waiting past that.”
Lawson raised the issue during a Martinsville City Council meeting that otherwise focused on routine ordinances, policy updates and appropriations.
Mayor LC Jones also questioned whether the city’s current legal representation complies with the city charter, specifically whether retaining both an attorney and a law firm may conflict with charter provisions.
“If you have a concern, you go to the attorney general,” Rawls said.
Jones said he would reach out to the attorney general for “an opinion” on whether the city is handling its legal representation appropriately. He said if an issue is confirmed, the city would seek new legal counsel.
In other business, the council:
*Approved the 2026 City Council meeting schedule with two minor amendments and adopted the 2026 inclement weather meeting resolution.
*Approved, on first reading, an ordinance repealing Section 2.4 of the city code.
“It’s regarding the employee and retiree health insurance,” Fincher said, adding the ordinance is no longer relevant.
*Adopted the Boards and Commissions Manual, intended to serve as an orientation handbook.
“It’s very well written, it doesn’t leave any stone unturned,” Lawson said.
*Discussed the Outside Agency Funding Policy and agreed to provide feedback at its first meeting in January.
“It gives the public the information on how to request outside funding,” Fincher said.
*Approved a resolution authorizing the donation of city-owned property at the former National Guard Armory to the Martinsville Economic Development Authority. An amendment added a second parcel to the transfer. The property is slated for hotel development, and the current tenant will remain temporarily.
*Approved FY25 schools appropriations on second reading and approved, on first reading, an E-911 appropriation ordinance following a public hearing.
*Held a public hearing and approved, on first reading, First Piedmont Refuse fee changes.
