District 4 Councilman Lanny Hubbard apologized Monday for indicating the Russellville

City Council acted in a racist manner at a meeting two weeks ago.

The allegation came when the other councilmen failed to second Hubbard’s recommendation for an appointment to the civil service board.

“I humbly apologize for calling you out of your name, but I will not apologize for the reason (I did it),” Hubbard said in Monday’s work session.

He said he was upset that he’d put his recommendation on the agenda, but the councilmen denied him a second while giving one to another councilman.

He specifically apologized to District 1 Councilman Jeff Masterson, who he called racist after Masterson made a motion to appoint someone from Hubbard’s district to the civil service board. The motion passed with Mayor Troy Oliver abstaining.

Masterson accepted the apology and shook Hubbard’s hand.

“That was the first time I’ve heard Lanny publicly refer to the rest of the council as racist,” Masterson said following the incident. “I’d be surprised if he truly felt that way.

“I can assure you, (the appointment) was not politically or racially motivated.”

Hannah Mask can be reached at 256-740-5728 or hannah.mask@TimesDaily.com.