LIPSCOMB, Ala. (WBMA) — Transparency, accountability and unanswered questions continue to surround the city of Lipscomb’s finances, as the ABC 33/40 I-Team follows ongoing developments inside City Hall.
“You’re getting something that hasn’t happened in years. I’m being transparent,” Mayor Rob Sims said during a recent council meeting.
But that moment marks a shift from weeks of limited access and repeated attempts to get answers.
A pattern of unanswered questions
In late January, when the I-Team tried asking questions, Mayor Sims declined to comment during a community meeting. The same response followed at a February council meeting — again, no comment.
Just over two weeks ago, the I-Team publicly requested an interview during a council meeting during the public comment period. At the time, the mayor said he would be in touch to schedule it. That interview has still not happened.
At the March 17 meeting, the I-Team pressed again.
“I’ll be in touch with you,” Sims said.
“Okay, because I was told that two weeks ago and still haven’t heard anything,” reporter Valerie Bell responded.
“There’s been a lot of business going on,” Sims said.
“I understand. I’m asking for five minutes of your time,” Bell said.
“Okay, I’ll be in touch with you,” Sims replied.
Despite multiple requests, the mayor has not yet sat down for an interview.
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Questions over the city’s bank account
Mayor Sims has stated publicly the city currently has $75,834.40 in its account. However, questions remain about who has access to those funds.
“I think he’s still hiding something. I don’t know what — time will tell,” Councilman Erskine Davis said.
During a council discussion, Davis questioned who else is listed on the account.
“Who’s the other name on the account?” Davis asked.
“Miss Jelks. She has no card or writes checks or anything,” Sims responded.
The mayor was referring to Angela Jelks, who he said was appointed acting assistant clerk earlier this year.
“When did Jelks get on the account?” Davis asked.
“Since January,” Sims said.
“That’s unacceptable,” Davis responded.
Some council members have questioned the legality of that appointment, telling the I-Team Jelks is not a city employee.
Planned changes — but lingering skepticism
Moving forward, access to the city’s bank account is expected to change.
“I’m wiping my hands of the finances,” Sims said during the meeting.
Council members Erskine Davis and Monique Wilkerson are expected to be added to the account, along with City Clerk William Baylor.
A history of financial concerns
Council members say these issues are not new.
“We didn’t know these bills were not paid. We weren’t aware what was going on, what was coming in, coming out,” Councilwoman Barbara Moore said, referencing the previous administration.
Mayor Sims has defended his leadership, saying the city’s debt has been significantly reduced under his administration.
He claims the previous administration left behind more than $100,000 in attorney fees, unpaid power bills tied to inaccessible personal email accounts, and roughly $6,000 owed to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Budget uncertainty impacts decisions
Financial uncertainty is also affecting day-to-day operations.
Mayor Sims recently proposed raises for the city’s two dispatchers — one from $10.25 an hour to $12.25, and the other from $12.50 to $14.50.
However, without a clear budget, council members say they are hesitant to move forward.
“As soon as we get that, get all the finances, see where we really stand financially, we can discuss raises and hiring or whatever that may be,” Wilkerson said.
Voting concerns and leadership tensions
Tensions inside City Hall extend beyond finances.
During recent meetings, Mayor Sims has abstained from voting on every agenda item.
“Abstained,” Sims said repeatedly during roll call votes.
Meanwhile, residents are watching closely as the situation unfolds.
Signs of progress — and a legal turning point
Despite the ongoing concerns, some council members believe the city is moving in the right direction.
“Of course, work in progress, but seems like we’re on the right path. Gonna keep working together,” Wilkerson said.
“Moving forward, moving forward — we’re going to move forward as fast as we can,” Davis added.
Both point to a recent court ruling as a turning point. The decision sided with the city council in a dispute over key appointments, directing Mayor Sims to:
- Recognize Lanita Neal as police chief
- Reinstate William Baylor as city clerk
- Acknowledge Wayman Newton as city attorney
“That showed who had the powers for certain things,” Wilkerson said.
Ongoing investigation
For now, key questions remain — particularly surrounding transparency, financial oversight and access to city funds.
Until those questions are answered by the mayor, the ABC 33/40 I-Team will continue pressing for clarity.
This is a developing story.