Swansea Town Council had a lengthy debate at its Oct. 24 meeting about whether the town should observe Confederate Memorial Day as a holiday and finally decided it would be observed, according to Council Member Michael Luongo.

Luongo said he voiced strong support for observing a holiday that is authorized by state guidelines.

The approval came with a caveat that the town could reconsider the decision if new policies are adopted by the state.

Luongo also noted that a heated debate has ended over a recommendation by town officials to delay pay for council members as the town deals with revenue shortages.

He said he and other council members have recently received their pay, apparently as the result of an administrative decision to make the payments. He said the town’s attorney was likely involved in the decision.

Council members raised concerns at the last meeting that they were being asked to hold off on receiving pay, but Mayor Viola McDaniel was still receiving her pay.

McDaniel has not responded to recent requests for comment from the Chronicle.

The legal battle over a finding in a recent audit that the town has not accounted for $3 million in assets remains in limbo. 

Council Members Luongo and Doris Simmons filed suit in August against Mayor McDaniel, Town Clerk/Treasurer Margaret Harvey and Auditor John Brown seeking an explanation.

Luongo said he is awaiting word from attorney Jake Moore on when legal depositions will be sought from various parties.