East Ridge has paid more than $1,000 to Councilman Larry Sewell's photography business since he took office in 2006, according to documents obtained by the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
According to Tennessee law, "[it] is unlawful for any officer... whose duty it is to vote for, let out, overlook, or in any manner to superintend any work or any contract in which any municipal corporation ... shall or may be interested, to be directly interested in any such contract."
A 2006 candidate profile published by the Times Free Press identifies Sewell as the co-owner of Still Motion Photo. A 2009 Tennessee Ethics Commission disclosure statement names Still Motion Photo as one of three sources of income for Sewell.
In 2008, East Ridge paid $750 to Still Motion Photo to take shots at the retirement party for former city manager David Mays. The business billed for 4 1/2 hours of photography, a DVD montage and a photo book.
Curtis Adams served as East Ridge city manager at that time.
On April 15, 2009, nearly two months after Sewell filed his disclosure statement with the Tennessee Ethics Commission, East Ridge paid Still Motion Photo $258.50 for two hours of photography, prints and frames for former City Manager William Whitson's "welcoming luncheon."
"It's been a pleasure working with you!" states the invoice, which was handled by Whitson's staff.
Whitson later resigned as city manager, and Sewell led the charge asking for his resignation after officials announced a six-figure budget deficit in early August.
Sewell did not return several phone calls seeking comment.
Outgoing Mayor Mike Steele said he knew that Still Motion Photo was taking shots at both events, but "I wasn't aware we paid them for pictures."
"If a mistake was made, it was a mistake," he said.
City Manager Eddie Phillips said he doesn't have to report payments up to $5,000 to the City Council, and any amount over $10,000 requires approval of council.
Still Motion Photo also handled team pictures during the 2008 Dizzy Dean baseball tournament, as evidenced by two advertisements in a program from the tournament. One of the advertisements lists Sewell as a photographer for Still Motion Photo.
"Without you, none of this would have happened," states an advertisement from East Ridge Baseball thanking sponsors and supporting businesses.
Steele said the baseball program is independent of the city, but East Ridge handles oversight for Camp Jordan Park, where the tournament was held.
A spokesman for the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury said "we're not investigating at this point."
City elections are Nov. 2, and Sewell is running against Vice Mayor Tom Card, Jim Bethune, Bill Brenneman, Mark Gravitt and Justin Kirk, all of whom are seeking four-year terms in three open council seats.