(Southaven, MS)  Residents packed the City Hall’s board room for the first public meeting since WREG revealed the city bought $8,000 worth of gift cards to the  mayors favorite restaurant.

It’s the same place he routinely ran up high bills on the city credit card, prompting an investigation by the state auditor.

During his trial in Jackson last week, Mayor Davis’attorney revealed several thousand dollars of the money the mayor owes, was spent to buy the gift cards.

The cards were on sale with double value. Buy one card for $50, and get two for $50.

The mayor spent $4,000 and received $8,000.

The aldermen approved the payment, but now after the matter was made public, aldermen have told the mayor they need to know how they’re being used.

“We will be requesting reports and receipts”, said Aldermen Ronnie Hale.  Hale said he asked for clarification on the gift cards in a closed-door session with the mayor.

Former Mayor Joe Cates said the aldermen are to blame too.  He is running for a district seat.

He said the current aldermen rubber stamped Davis and that must end.

“We are a laughing-stock”, said Cates.