The St. Joseph City Council denied an emergency ordinance Monday that would have brought more than $475,000 in Community Development Block Grant money to the city for Downtown redevelopment.

Four of the seven council members in attendance favored the ordinance, but emergency ordinances need six votes to pass. Council members Bill Falkner, Mike Bozarth and Barbara LaBass opposed the bill, while Mayor Ken Shearin, Deputy Mayor Mike Hirter, and council members Gary Roach and Joyce Starr voted in favor. Donna Jean Boyer and Roger Baker were absent.

Ms. LaBass asked why the city can obtain money for Downtown revitalization, but not for existing industrial parks that need road repairs.

Shawn Henderson, spokesman for City Employees United, asked if the city has to come up with matching funds to get the money. City Manager Vince Capell told him it was free money with no match required.

After the meeting, Ms. LaBass and Mr. Bozarth approached City Clerk Paula Heyde, unsure if the bill had failed or passed with the 4-3 vote. Ms. LaBass asked if there was a deadline to apply for the grant, leaving open the possibility that the council could revisit its decision.

Clinton Thomas can be reached at clintonthomas@npgco.com.