The Canton City Council this Thursday could override the mayor's veto of a controversial fire district ordinance.

According to an email from clerk Susan Stanton, the city has scheduled a "special called meeting" for 6 p.m. Thursday "to discuss and take possible action to override the mayor’s veto of an ordinance to create a fire protection district; to provide for the boundaries of a fire protection district; and to provide for a tax to be collected within the fire protection district."

Council members on July 19 voted 5-1 to create the district and help the city meet some of its long-term fire service needs.

But critics of the ordinance have said that it would possibly shift some of that burden to elderly residents who have enjoyed a decade of voter-approved tax exemptions, an argument that prompted Mayor Gene Hobgood to use his veto power on July 26.

"This ordinance sends the message to our seniors and disabled persons that the city does not understand or appreciate the value that these individuals provide to our city," he said while announcing the veto. "It further says that the city will not keep its promise to you when the city enticed many of you to move to our city."

The called council meeting will be held at City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St.

Related content:

• Canton Mayor Vetoes Fire District Plan
• Will Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood Veto the Fire District Ordinance?
• Mayor: Fire District Is a 'Scheme'
• City Makes Plans for New Fire Station
• Fire Department Consolidation Vote Fails

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