Patriotism Abounds as Controversial Ordinance Passes Oneida

By Editor | November 25, 2025 |

Patriotism Abounds as Controversial Ordinance Passes Oneida

Photo by Shane Gilreath
VFW Commander Brian Wagaman and Eagle Scout Matthew Phillips addressed the Oneida Mayor and Board of Aldermen . regarding the VFW Memorial Wall and a proposal for a Flag Retirement Box.at last Thursday’s meeting at City Hall.

By Shane Gilreath
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The Oneida Board of Mayor and Aldermen brought months of speculation to a close Thursday, unanimously approving an ordinance regulating Sober Living Houses within the town’s jurisdiction. The board had faced substantial opposition from rehabilitation professionals at the October meeting, with the fear of litigation seemingly cautioning the board, but the controversial legislation ultimately passed despite several modifications.
Mayor Lori Phillips-Jones, who had been directed last month to seek additional legal advice, reported that the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) reviewed the Oneida ordinance and confirmed its compliance with state law. An amendment was added clarifying that sober living facilities fall under the categorization of short-term rentals, making them subject to the town’s occupancy tax.
“Short-term rental taxes do apply to the first 30 days or less,” Phillips-Jones told attendees, referring to an ordinance that was passed by the town in April, which defined short-term rentals as residential dwelling that are rented for less than 30 continuous days.
Amy Montgomery, operator of Recovery Ridge on Vine Avenue, whose facility has stirred much public discourse, was present on Thursday and objected to the tax requirement and the classification of her facility as a rental property. Phillips-Jones, however, stood firm in her assessment. “It is my opinion that it is subject to that short-term occupancy tax,” she said, advising Montgomery that she could seek legal advice on the matter. “The state would not have addressed it if there weren’t questions,” the Oneida mayor added.
City Recorder Brent Ellis also tried to clarify the ordinance. “The ordinance doesn’t add any additional requirements,” Ellis told the Recovery Ridge owner, who, given the decision, would find herself subject to the same regulations as other like-businesses in Oneida. The town’s occupancy tax currently sits at 4%. In September, Montgomery told SCN that she understood the community’s apprehension toward the sober living home, but that apprehension was based on misunderstandings. “My desire is to help the community,” Montgomery told SCN.
Upon being prompted to do so, Oneida Police Chief Daryl Laxton did confirm that emergency personnel had responded to Recovery Ridge. “It was an ambulance call,” Laxton said, prompted by reports of vomiting and seizing. “Not police,” the chief confirmed.
Other adjustments to the ordinance included removing a proposed 1,000-foot minimum distance between sober living facilities and schools, as the board elected that such restrictions were already in place with the state’s SAVE Act, which sets requirements for safety around educational campuses.
Alderman Dakota Smith questioned whether the ordinance needed additional readings, but both the Mayor and Alderman Jeff Tibbals agreed the changes were not substantial enough to warrant further action.
In other business, VFW Commander Brian Wagaman and Eagle Scout Matthew Phillips addressed the board regarding the VFW Memorial Wall and a proposal for a Flag Retirement Box. Wagaman reported that the memorial is filling rapidly, having added hundreds of names recently, and requested approval for a $30,000 expansion with much of the work being done by VFW members. The board unanimously approved the request.
Phillips, who told Alderman Rick Harper he had been involved in scouting since age four, received unanimous approval to construct a Flag Retirement Box. “We take it as a sign of patriotism in our community,” Wagaman said. “A great way to build patriotism among the youth of our community.”