By ALLYSON COOK
Reporter

(WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) – The Warrensburg City Council discussed whether to reinstate the local Human Rights Commission Monday during a study session after the issue was brought to the city by a local resident.

The council tabled the issue, agreeing to do more research and bring it back to an upcoming meeting.

Cassandra Williamson, of Warrensburg, brought the issue before the council after discovering the existing ordinance that established the commission in the 1980s. The ordinance calls for a five-person Human Rights Commission to hear complaints of discrimination in housing, public services and employment, but a commission hasn’t been seated in many years.

City attorney Doug Harris said a commission hasn’t met since he’s been with the city since the 1990s. In 2004, this same issue was brought to council but they decided not to take any action.

Harris said the state has a Human Rights Commission that serves a similar function. He said one concern with the local ordinance is the enforcement section, which the city does not have the resources to support.

Harris said if the commission enforced rulings, the limit for fines for violating city ordinances is $500 or up to three months in jail. He said the city would be spending thousands of dollars in support of the commission for potentially small amounts in fines or jail time.

City Manager Harold Stewart said if the council chooses to delete the enforcement section of the ordinance, the city could never put it back in place due to state law.

Stewart said he supports the ordinance, but he would be more comfortable with the section focusing on outreach and education and recommended the council eliminate the enforcement section.

Williamson said it’s necessary for Warrensburg to fill the seats of the Human Rights Commission. He said it’s important to protect human rights, especially for minorities. By having a Human Rights Commission, an individual will have a local outlet for complaints. Williamson said people may not feel comfortable to go to the state level if they have a complaint.

The councilmembers said they were not informed enough to be able to make a decision.

Stewart said there is an opportunity to include the school district, university and the Air Force base regarding education and outreach.

“I believe there is value in having it,” Stewart said.

Mayor Casey Renfrow said by creating the commission it could help “start the conversation” in Warrensburg.