Mobile County Commissioner Randall Dueitt expressed concern Monday after he said the City of Mobile has not paid rent for its space in Government Plaza in three months.
"I really didn't want to do this publicly, but it's come to a point where I guess there's no other way to handle it," Dueitt said. "But the city of Mobile has not paid their rent."
Dueitt said the County increased the rent and notified the city by letter on June 27. He said the last month paid was September, and that rent was not paid until October 21.
"So we're basically paying their power bill, paying their water bill. They're not paying their rent and all this is interest-free," Dueitt added.
Dueitt said if the County was renting to a private entity, they would be evicted for non-payment.
Commissioner Connie Hudson said legal action could follow.
"This is unacceptable," said Hudson. "If we were to do this, if the city owned the building, it would not be tolerated and it really upsets me that we're having to carry the load, not only our responsibility, but what they're responsible for too. They need to do better than this and if we're at a point where we need to look at taking legal action, then so be it. But this is not acceptable."
Hudson said ignoring communications adds insult to injury.
Commissioner Merceria Ludgood said she is giving grace to city leadership and to new Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis.
"I have been inclined to show some grace with the change of administration," Ludgood said. "The new mayor's been there, what? 30 days? And I'm not sure what all he knows or has been told, but before we do anything, I would hope that we would give him the courtesy of bringing this to his particular attention because he's not responsible for what his predecessor failed or refused to do in this regard."
The Commission has reached out to the city's attorney to find out if there is a plan.
1819 News has not received a response from Mobile officials.
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