Small Business Funding

The city of Lipscomb will have to go another week with no access to its financial accounts. “Judge, if you dissolve the TRO (temporary restraining order). They’ll just go out there and transfer the funds to some other account, that’s been unreleased, and we’ll never be able to retract those funds, John Kachelman, the deputy attorney general, said.The attorney general’s office got what it wanted in court. The temporary restraining order freezing the city of Lipscombs assets will stay for another seven days, until it can prove how much money it actually needs to pay its employees.The city’s services have to go forward. We also have to like I said, have restricted funds, deadlines to meet and spend, and we’ve got payrolls. Im sure we’ll discuss, Lucien Blakenship, legal counsel for the city of Lipscomb, said to Kachelman and a judge.Kachelman asked, Do you have a number? Do you know how much we’re talking? We need to talk numbers, judge. I’ll get back to you on that. I need to know what they’re requesting.”In court Kachelman said the city of Lipscomb has a specified bingo account that’s collected roughly $200,000 from bingo halls operating in the city over the years.He says that account was recently drained and the money was moved to the city’s operation fund.Blankenship represents the city of Lipscomb. When asked by reporters about the citys accounts, he said, I don’t get involved in the day-to-day operations. So, in terms of transactions and those he’s referencing I’m not sure of.”Late last month, the state listed the city of Lipscomb as one of several defendants for allegedly breaking the law.The complaint says the city is responsible for enforcing the game of bingo, licensing Jay’s Charity Bingo to operate, and that the city continues to profit and receive “illegal funding” from the illegal gambling.The city’s legal counsel tells WVTM 13, on Monday morning in a special called meeting, city leaders unanimously voted bingo will no longer be allowed in the city.”I just want to get the city of Lipscomb moving forward in a positive manner, and that’s what we’re doing, Blankenship said.The Lipscomb City Council gave WVTM 13 the following statement late Monday night:During the hearing today, the Assistant Deputy Attorney General requested that the judge extend the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) for an additional week to allow his office to further investigate financial accountability and transparency regarding the City of Lipscomb. This investigation specifically focuses on how funds generated from bingo operations are utilized and the legality of these transactions.The majority of councilors support this investigation, as we have not received adequate information from the mayor concerning the use of these funds. As elected officials, it is our responsibility to seek full accountability. There must be a comprehensive paper trail and transparency regarding financial transactions and dealings. Such information should be accessible to the councilors as a governing body to facilitate informed decision-making, as we seek clarity on the actual revenue generated from the bingo operations.While we do not oppose gaming or any business seeking to establish itself in the city, it is imperative that councilors are included in the decision-making process for these businesses. This inclusion ensures that we assess the potential impacts on various aspects of the community, including safety, crime, and revenue.Respectfully, The Lipscomb City Council Member’sThis is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.