The Bluff City Board of Aldermen voted to approve the second reading of ordinance 20 25-010 amending the water and sewer portion of the annual budget after a brief procedural dispute over whether the item had been properly labeled as a first reading on an earlier agenda.

The debate centered on agenda language. Several members said earlier postings listed the item as 'discussion and action' without explicitly labeling a 'first reading.' Other members said the ordinance had been considered previously and that delaying the vote would risk missing a statutory deadline that could let the state set the water and sewer tax rate.

Vice Mayor Adams moved to approve the second reading; Alderman Johnson seconded the motion. The roll call produced three yes votes, one no and one abstention: Alderman Malone and Vice Mayor Adams voted yes, Alderman Johnson voted yes, Alderman Payne voted no and Alderman Heath abstained. The clerk announced that ordinance 20 25-010 passed on the second reading.

Board members who argued for immediate action said the timing was urgent because state action to set rates could follow if the city missed the statutory timeline. Those raising the labeling concern said the public deserves clear agendas showing whether items are presented as first readings, second readings or final actions.

No members moved to postpone the vote for a formal review of the previous agenda language. The board proceeded with the vote and the ordinance passed. The meeting then moved to a second public comment period, where there were no speakers.

Ordinance number and subject: the meeting recorded the ordinance as '20 25-010' and described it as an amendment to the annual budget for water and sewer; the transcript did not specify the ordinance text or dollar amounts in the record.