H’wick council okays paying fine

The City of Howardwick will pay a $1,875 state fine leveled against the man hired to handle code compliance in the city.

Officials say a complaint was filed with the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation alleging that code officer Jerry Mulanax was working without being certified, had improperly posted a violation, and had trespassed on private property.

In a called meeting last Thursday, November 29, the Howardwick City Council discussed the fine and whether the city should pay it on Mulanax’s behalf, but discussion first centered on the complainant, Coy Cooper. Some officials said Cooper is not a resident of the city, while other people in attendance said Cooper has lived in Howardwick for about a year.

In the video recorded meeting, Alderman Debbora Sharpton said she felt like the city should pay the fine because Mulanax was appointed by the council and was acting for them.

“We’re a team,” Sharpton said, “and we should act as a team.”

Alderman Brice Hawley raised the point that Mulanax was indeed not certified.

Alderman Johnny Floyd said Mulanax was working on the city’s authority and said he felt the city should get legal advice.

An initial motion to pay the fine was unanimously voted down so that a second motion could be made stating that the city would consult with its attorney and then pay the fine if it was his advice to do so. That motion carried, 4-1, with Hawley being opposed.

Howardwick City Hall said Tuesday that the city’s attorney felt like the city could successfully fight the fine and win but that attorney fees and travel to Austin would be far more than the $1,875 fine.