A recent permit that allowed an out-of-town auto dealership to come into the city of Russellville and conduct a tent sale has drawn a few complaints to the mayor’s office.

Mayor Mark Stratton felt the complaints held merit and introduced an amendment to a current ordinance at Tuesday’s city council meeting that will now prohibit anyone that does not have a dealership in Logan County to come into the city and have an automobile sale.

“It is our job and I think the council agrees that we try to take care of the well-being of the citizens of Russellville. We as a city get nothing out of those who apply for permits accept for the $50 fee,” said Stratton.

One of the things the mayor felt was important was to protect the businesses that are in Logan County and the city of Russellville.

“It is our responsibility to take care of our businesses in our city and this community. This is the reason we are putting a statement into this existing ordinance that says if you do not own a dealership in Logan County, you cannot have an automobile tent sale,” said the mayor, adding that it protects the dealerships that are here and also the well-being of the citizens who live here.

Councilman Bill Decker strongly agreed with Stratton and was glad the mayor was doing this.

“I support this. I have a problem with businesses coming in and making their sales. You hit the nail on the head, mayor, we have an obligation I think, to protect our citizens and our businesses that are already here,” said Decker. “These people can come in and do this, they can do and say anything and then they don’t have to stay here and be accountable. I have a problem with that and they’re off and gone and then we’re left with a bunch of citizens that are coming to us and saying this is what happened, they did this, they said that. I think it’s well within our duty and responsibility to take action like this.”