Democrat Wendell Lynch, a retired banker who is serving as interim mayor, will face the Republican nominee, local business owner James R. Knight Jr., in the Nov. 3 general election.
Race, as much as party affiliation, figured into the council's split vote. Opponents said the council should not adopt the ordinance during the coronavirus crisis while meetings are being conducted by teleconference and members of the public are limited in their ability to give council feedback.
Many city employees will continue to work from home to ensure space for social distancing in offices. Those working in offices will be restricted from sharing meals and congregating in common areas.
The city projects payroll tax revenue will decline about $1 million in the last three months of this fiscal year and be down $1.3 million next fiscal year.
Mayor Wendell Lynch said a budget is being prepared for the council's consideration. A significant loss of revenue is expected because of the coronavirus' impact on employment.
