FERRIDAY — A 2-1 vote by the Ferriday Town Council to fly Mayor Gene Allen to the Miss Black USA Pageant next month was too much to bear for Councilman Jerome Harris.

Harris, who represents the dissenting vote, abruptly left a special called meeting on Tuesday after council members Johnnie Brown and Gloria Lloyd approved the use of city funds to fly Allen to Las Vegas. While in Sin City, Allen will support Miss Black Louisiana Tiffany Monique Lloyd, the daughter of Councilwoman Lloyd.

“I let my anger outrule me today,” Harris said. “I walked out the meeting because I didn’t like what went on. I believe in being fair with the Town of Ferriday. We need to be honest with the community about where their money is going.”

Harris believes Allen should pay for his travel arrangements and questions whether Lloyd’s vote is valid, citing a conflict of interest.

“(The vote) shouldn’t go anywhere. It’s a dead vote,” Harris said.

Lloyd declined to comment on her vote. Councilman Brown also declined to comment.

“I commented all that I’m going to comment at the meeting,” he said.

When asked about the meeting Tuesday afternoon, Allen failed to mention the vote, but did mention Harris’ hasty exit left the council without a quorum to proceed with other business. Attempts to reach Allen about the vote Tuesday evening were unsuccessful.

The council was to discuss the 2008-2009 fiscal year budget and the engagement of a certified accountant, according to the council’s agenda.

Harris said he preferred for the council to make a donation to Lloyd’s daughter, but his idea was disregarded. The councilman said he regrets he allowed his emotions to stunt the meeting.

“The city of Ferriday is first in my heart and I work to make sure things go right on that board there,” Harris said.