Hapeville councilwoman charged in tussle with fellow member

HAPEVILLE - A city councilwoman was charged Friday with battery after allegedly scuffling with another councilwoman. <br> <br> According to police reports, Ruth Barr, 48, had argued with Laura Murphy in the back office of Murphy&#39;s antique shop on Dec. 12. Barr had wanted to know why Murphy didn&#39;t notify her of the recent firing of three city dispatchers. Murphy, 45, told her it was the city administrator&#39;s duty to do so, not hers. Murphy oversees public safety departments of Hapeville, just outside south Atlanta. <br> <br> A witness testified in Fulton County Magistrate Court that he heard a dispute and saw a struggle. Murphy presented as evidence photos of her scratched arm. <br> <br> Barr said she did not touch Murphy. She said the incident was ``just a small argument that&#39;s gotten blown out of proportion.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Judge Ronald Freeman issued an arrest warrant for Barr and set bond at $500. Barr, who wasn&#39;t present at the hearing, was released on a written promise. No court date was set.