MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — A possible federal disaster relief grant spurred debate at the Magnolia Springs Town Council’s regular workshop Tuesday.

Mayor Ken Underwood informed the Council that he sent a letter to the Natural Resources Conservations Service to see if the town could acquire funds to repair damage to the pool and soil of Magnolia Springs caused by the April flood.

“It is a 75/25 match,” he said, estimating that the project would cost $89,220. “Our share would be 25 percent.”

However, Councilwoman Dotty Johnson voiced concern over how the issue was handled.

“This comes under the Public Lands (and Beautification) Committee, and this is the first time I’m hearing it?” she asked. “This letter was mailed May 14?”

Johnson said that she thought such issues were handled by that committee, which Underwood established and of which she sits.

“Why didn’t you send us a letter?” she asked.

Underwood said the application was a Magnolia Springs issue.

“That is my prerogative as mayor,” he said.

Councilman Ben Dykema and chair of the committee voiced his agreement with Johnson.

“It would have been nice to get a heads up,” he said.

Underwood said he didn’t understand the issue.

“I’m not going to be hammered for trying to do what’s right,” he said. “The committee hasn’t met lately,” he said.

To which Johnson and Dykema answered simultaneously, “We met yesterday.”

Underwood replied that he had not been aware of the meeting.

“If you can do it all on your own, we may not need to have a committee,” Dykema said.

Underwood said he sought the funding because public aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency did not include natural resources.