Citing a possible conflict of interest law violation, Mayor BillGodbold is questioning a Brookhaven alderman’s adamant pursuit of aSaint George Street improvement project on the street where thealderman owns property.

City land records show Ward 3 Alderman the Rev. Jerry L. Wilsonowning a 175-feet by 100-feet undeveloped lot on the street wherehe has been trying to have a large culvert placed over a ditch. Sofar, $25,000 was budgeted this year for the work, but the money isnot expected to fully address the situation.

Following another discussion of the stalled project duringTuesday’s mayor and board of aldermen meeting, Godbold Wednesdayquestioned Wilson’s involvement as a conflict of interest inviolation of state law.

After being repeatedly questioned by Godbold about propertyownership during Tuesday’s heated board discussion, Wilsonidentified Ralph Osborne as the property owner, but said “itdoesn’t matter.” Osborne owns a large undeveloped lot next to thedeep ditch that runs along much of the street.

“I know he’s got property down from there that he will benefitfrom,” Godbold said Wednesday, referring to Wilson’s lot that isabout 30 yards away on the other side of the narrow one-wayroad.

Sect. 21-39-01 prohibits municipal officials from havinginterests in contracts for public work done for the city. Godboldreasoned that the city crews would be the contractor for the workand Wilson, by owning property on the street, has an interest inthe work being done.

When contacted Wednesday, Wilson initially did not acknowledgeownership, but then said his property is “way down the street” fromwhere work is wanted. Regarding a potential conflict, Wilson saidhe “never thought of it” that way and refused to acknowledge themayor’s contentions.

“I don’t see that point,” Wilson said. “That ain’t got nothingto do with it.”

Wilson said Wednesday he knew the reason behind opposition tothe project, but he did not elaborate.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Wilson criticized what he considered alack of full support on the board for projects in his community ascompared to city projects elsewhere that were pursued.

“If we’re going to talk out of both sides of our mouths, we’vegot a problem around this board,” Wilson said.

Wilson has been pursuing the street improvement project for morethan a year, but has had minimal success when the issue has beendiscussed during previous board meeting. Officials Tuesday wereawaiting information from engineers regarding the size of theculvert that would be needed.

The alderman supported his efforts by saying he was trying tohelp his constituents.

“It’s something the people want,” Wilson said. “They’re mybosses, and I do what my bosses tell me.”

Saint George Street has 12-13 homes on it. Three of the homesface intersection streets.

Godbold said he did not think the $25,000 budgeted for theproject would address even half of one side of the street.

Providing culverts for an individual’s benefit was another ofGodbold’s concerns. The mayor said the city does not supplyculverts for individuals.

“We don’t furnish pipe for nobody,” Godbold said. “That’sagainst our rules.”

The mayor said the city does furnish culvert for industries, butnot citizens.

“If we did that, we’d have to put $1 million for pipe in ourbudget,” the mayor said. “We don’t have that kind of money.”