VIDALIA — The appointment of Jay Lasyone to city clerk was voted down after a discussion over his proposed salary. The position is vacant after the retirement of City Clerk Vicki Byrnes.

The city clerk’s salary is set by ordinance. Laysone is currently assistant city clerk, and the promotion to city clerk would include a salary raise.

Craft said he had spoken with aldermen and with Laysone and would like to introduce a resolution in February to keep Laysone’s salary as-is until July, when the new budget goes into effect.

The reason, Craft said, is so the aldermen can review the duties and responsibilities that Laysone will have and update the salary as necessary, instead of passing on the previous city clerk’s salary.

Alderwoman Sabrina Dore said she was uncomfortable with not adjusting Laysone’s salary upon appointment.

“My concern with you … is that we have an ordinance in place to set the salary,” Doré said. “My fear is that a simple agreement would not supersede an ordinance that is in place.”

Alderman Robert Gardner made a motion to appoint Laysone Tuesday with his salary remaining as-is.

Aldermen Jon Betts and Gardner voted for the motion. Aldermen Tron McCoy, Tommy Probst and Dore voted against the motion.

“It’s just unfortunate that this man has to go through this,” Craft said. “It’s unfortunate for him; it’s unfortunate for the town. He’s already doing the work; I just want to put him in the position.”