MCCOMB (AP) — A city official in southwest Mississippi is unsuccessfully pushing to deny city money to a county official accused of making racially insensitive remarks.

McComb Selectman Albert Eubanks tried to prevent the city from paying any part of Pike County Civil Defense Director Richard Coghlan’s salary.

Eubanks wants a transcript of a recording said to be of Coghlan making racially insensitive remarks.

Board attorney Wayne Dowdy says a court reporter is still trying to transcribe the recording, but is having difficulty recognizing voices.

Dowdy says that it could take months to complete the transcription.

Eubanks attempted to amend the agenda to cancel any money the city might pay toward Coghlan’s salary, but no board member supported the move.

The divided McComb board often fights along racial lines.