The Irondale City Council this week voted to censure one of its members who has been criticizing city spending, accusing her of “spreading misinformation.”

Council member Aaron Sims began Tuesday’s meeting by reading a long condemnation of Cuellar for spreading misinformation.

“We must curb excessive spending,” City Council member Cindy Cuellar said again in Tuesday’s council meeting, after other council members denounced her outspoken criticism.

Cuellar, who is running for re-election, did not back down. She said Irondale’s long-term debt was $45 million in 2020 and has grown to $114 million.

“When our questions go unanswered in a finance committee meeting, I have grave concerns,” Cuellar said. “It is time to pause these non-essential expenditures for 2 to 3 months to give us a clear idea of our expenditures over this time frame.”

She said funds from an opioid settlement should not have been included in the general budget. Opioid settlement funds typically have use restrictions meant to address the opioid crisis and its consequences, not serve as a source of general revenue for cities.

“Those funds cannot be included in the general budget,” Cuellar said. “We are violating the law when we do that.”

The other council members repeatedly referred to an interview Cuellar did with WVTM-TV in which she criticized city spending.

“Telling some of the truth is a lie,” said council member John London.

“This should be an exciting time,” London said. “I’ve seen you on TV. That’s hatred. That’s not love.”

City Clerk and treasurer Leigh Ann Allison said the city maintains an AA credit rating and the increased spending is the result of a special election in March 2022 in which Irondale citizens voted for a tax increase to fund capital improvements.

The city has issued more than $60 million in bonds in 2024 to pay for capital improvements for a number of projects, including $10 million for a new library and $8.6 million for Ruffner Sports Complex. The city bought the former Zamora Temple of Central Alabama and 105 acres in 2022 for $5 million and plans to renovate it for $15 million. The city is also building a new municipal complex and a new fire station.

The city has an annual budget of $37 million and spends about $6 million on debt service. Cuellar said she’s worried the budget will not be able to cover necessary increases in police and fire department salaries.

Allison said Cuellar was pushing a false narrative.

“Irondale’s finances are in good condition and the city is being managed responsibly,” Allison said.

The censure by other council members, while expressing their condemnation of Cuellar, does not affect her ability to vote on city business.

The text of the censure refers to incidents across a history of conflict between Cuellar and other city leaders, including using profanity, making transphobic comments, “making accusatory, baseless, and unfounded allegations,” against other city leaders, “spreading misinformation” by accusing other city leaders of discrimination based on her race and gender, and “promoting falsity in an effort to gain attention, among other things.”

AL.com has reached out to Cuellar for comment but has not heard back yet.

The censure comes against the backdrop of a municipal election season in which Mayor James D. Stewart Jr., elected as the city’s first Black mayor in 2020, and several council members are running for re-election on Aug. 26.

Stewart was not in attendance at the council meeting Tuesday, but released the following statement today:

“I fully support the Irondale City Council’s decision to formally censure Councilwoman Cindy Cuellar,” Stewart said. “Her repeated falsehoods about the City of Irondale and our financial standing are not just misleading — they are a deliberate attempt to spread confusion and distrust among our citizens.”

Stewart emphasized Irondale is in strong financial condition.

“Under my administration, the City of Irondale has maintained responsible fiscal practices, and our financial position remains strong — a fact reflected by our AA credit rating and consistent financial oversight,” he said. “The council’s action sends a clear message that misinformation and divisive rhetoric have no place in our efforts to serve the residents of Irondale.”

Stewart said he will continue planning for the city’s future.

“Our focus remains on transparency, accountability, and building a future that reflects the true needs and aspirations of our community,” he said. “I remain committed to working alongside our council members and citizens to continue moving Irondale forward.”