Citizen opposition has shot down a plan to charge people in Quitman, Texas, a $45 fee to get a police escort for a funeral procession, the Tyler Morning Telegraph is reporting.

City manager Michael Hall said a lot of misinformation led to the controversy, including the manner in which the ordinance would be implemented.

"There is a gross mischaracterization out there of what this might look like," he said before the evening's meeting. "The intent was not to have a bereaving widow come down to city hall and fill out a permit."

Not too many people were, uh, bereaving the loss of the new ordinance in Quitman, which had a population of 2,030 when the last Census was taken eight years ago.

Led by resident Ronnie Wilson, a group of about 25 was pleased its presence helped council members repeal the ordinance.

... Wilson said he called other small cities in East Texas and that none required a fee for funeral processions and escorts. He said it took him a week to gather the signatures, many of whom lived outside of Quitman's city limits. He was surprised to see people show up in support, he said.

"I specifically asked that they not come here tonight but I'm proud that they showed up," he said.

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(Picture at top left: Police salute the hearse carrying the coffin of former President Gerald R. Ford as it makes its way through Washington, D.C., by flickr user randomduck, used via the Creative Commons license.)

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