Lauderdale County Monument

Monument decision now up to city council

This morning, we're learning the decision to remove a confederate monument in florence is now up to the city council, not the lauderdale county commission.

Waay 31's rodneya ross who joins us live with a look at why the decision is now up to the city council to vote on?

The confederate monument sits at the lauderdale county courthouse and was thought to belong to the county -- but the monument was actually donated to the city of florence, making it city property.

A letter from the united daughters of the confederacy was read at monday night's commission meeting stating the monument was donated to the city.

Now city council members will decide if it'll be moved or not.

Florence mayor steve holt told us he thinks the council will vote relocate it to soldier's rest at the florence city cemetery.

There are mixed emotions from people who want to see it moved and people who want it to stay.

Camille bennett activist bennett- we have a responsibility to this community to see this process all the way through until the end until we see the cranes and the monument actually physically coming down that's our responsibility to the community.

Butt to amanda germann wants monument to stay germann- don't give in to the mob because it's not about monuments.

A 2017 law makes it illegal to move a monument that's been in place for more than 40 years.

Mayor holt told us private funds were raised to pay the 25- thousand-dollar fine and relocation fees.

Holt said the biggest challenge will be moving the monument safely because of its weight.

The next city council meeting is july seventh.

Reporting live in madison co, rr, waay 31