Eutaw City Council approves engineering contract for resurfacing West End Avenue

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Mayor Latasha Johnson presents certificates for completion of the University of Alabama, Municipal Clerks Academy to SheKelvia Spencer and Joe Lee Powell.

At its regular meeting on April 23,2024, the Eutaw City Council approved an engineering contract, for $47,000 with Thompson Engineering of Tuscaloosa for the resurfacing of West End Avenue from CR 131 to US 11 (approximately 1.374 miles). The engineering proposal was submitted by Craig P. Williams, PE. The funding for this construction project comes from the state’s Rebuild Alabama Program, funded with gas tax revenues.

Much of the meeting was devoted to financial considerations, which face the City because it no longer receives regular monthly distributions of bingo funds from the Sheriff Benison. The last monthly payment was in May 2023 and since that time the city and other municipalities in Greene County no longer receive distributions from electronic bingo.

Financial Adviser, Ralph Liverman, provided the City Council with a report comparing city revenues with expenses for the first six months of the current fiscal year (October 1, 2023, to March 31,2024). For the General Fund, which supports most city administration and services, he reported revenues collected of $1,550,603 (63% of budget) and expenditures of
$1,392,484 (59%). He also warned that the highest collection months for property, business license and other taxes come at the beginning of the year. There is a budget surplus of $113,459, in the General Fund, for the current fiscal year, which may cover additional expenditures, if the Council is cautious in spending and staffing.

For the Water Fund, he reported $344,925 (51%) of budgeted revenues, for the six months, and expenses of $363,128 (55%), which represent a deficit for the period. Similarly, in the Sewer Fund, there were revenues of $113,938 (52%) with expenses of $196,456 (75%), for a deficit for the initial six months of the fiscal year.

Liverman also reported a balance of $104,262 in the 4-Cent Gas Tax Fund. $100,000 of these funds are in reserve to pay the city’s matching fund for the Streetscape Project, for which construction has started. The 7-Cent Gas Tax Fund has a balance of $7,416, which the city uses for street repair and maintenance work.

Liverman also pointed out that the City does not earn enough revenue from its properties, specifically the Robert H. Young Community Center (formerly the Carver School) to justify keeping the facility open. The Mayor and the Council feel that the community programs, recreation, and education justify keeping the Center open.

Council member Hunter asked the Mayor if the changes in work hours, to our five-day work week, with Thursdays and Friday off had been implemented. The Mayor said that the reduction in hours had been made, but street workers were working a full day Thursday and taking off a full day Friday. Other city employees are working half a day on Thursdays and Fridays. Councilwoman Hunter said she would be monitoring overtime closely to make sure these changes resulted in savings. Mayor Johnson said, “I do not want to layoff any employees. People need a job to support their families. I will reduce staff if we absolutely must.” Councilwoman Stewart asked if closing City Hall would inconvenience residents seeking to pay bills and was assured that this was not a problem.

Councilwoman Hunter asked about the status of securing a credit card for the city’s business. Efforts were made to secure a credit card from Merchants and Farmers Bank but were not completed. The Council recommended contacting Regions Bank to secure a credit card. Councilwoman Watkins reported potholes that need to be repaired on Roebuck Avenue and Thomas Avenue. Councilwoman Hunter reported similar problems in Branch Heights. The Mayor said she would order materials and have the potholes filled and fixed.

Mayor Johnson announced that the City was holding ‘Tony Rice Day’ on Thursday April 25, 2024, at 1:30 PM at the Courthouse Square, to honor and commemorate a city employee that was killed in an accident, fixing a sewer leak in Branch Heights, the year before. She also announced the Dedication of the Robert H. Young Community Center, on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Noon, since a formal ceremony had never been held. The Chief of Police announced that on May 14, 2024, the City will have a parade and program to honor First Responders.

In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

• Heard a complaint, by Joe Fricks, of cars speeding on Boligee Street (Hwy 11) in front of his house, which makes it difficult to get in and out of his driveway. He suggested that more police patrols were needed. The Police Chief responded that he only had one officer on duty on each shift and that it would not be possible to respond to all requests in the city.

• Approved a Zoning Board recommendation that Bobby Terrell, of 201 O’Neal Street, be allowed to replace his mobile home, which burned down, with a new mobile home.

• Approved several groups, including West Alabama Works and AT&T/FirstNet for free usage of the R. H. Young Community Center for a public purpose meeting.

• Agreed to purchase a banner for the Eutaw Saddle Club for the horse arena in the Lock 7 City Park.

• Heard a report that the Sheriff granted $40,800, in bingo funds, to the Eutaw Fire Department to update safety equipment.

• Complimented the Litter Committee for a successful clean-up day, in Eutaw, on Saturday April 20, 2024.

• Agreed to pay bills as presented.

Eutaw Streetscape Project begins

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The long delayed Eutaw Streetscape Project, to redo the outside sidewalks of the old Courthouse Square in Eutaw has begun. Construction started at the Southeast corner of the square in front of Mills Pharmacy. The $1 million dollar project from the Alabama Department of Transportation, with matching funds from the City, County Commission and Industrial Board, which was delayed for 5 years by design, regulatory and financial problems, has now begun.

Greene County Health System receives $251,266 donation from Sheriff Benison

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Dr. Marcia Pugh, GCHS Administrator, receives donation from Sheriff Benison

Eutaw, AL – Greene County Health System received a $251,266.72 donation from
Greene County Sheriff Johnathan “Joe” Benison, the health system announced
Wednesday, April 17, 2024. According to Dr. Marcia Pugh, CEO, the donation is one
of the most significant gifts given to the hospital.

Greene County Hospital (GCH), like other rural facilities, is indebted and struggles to
pay its bills monthly. Dr. Marcia Pugh, CEO, stated that “March and April have been
extremely financially devastating for GCH. Thanks to Sheriff Benison’s donation, we
were able to meet our obligations by providing funding for the hospital, nursing home,
and rural health clinic.”

“We are profoundly grateful for the Sheriff’s tremendous generosity and unwavering
commitment to our organization and community,” said Dr. Marcia Pugh, Chief
Executive Officer of Greene County Health System. “This remarkable donation will
enable us to further provide exceptional healthcare, ultimately enhancing the well-
being of our patients and the communities we serve.”

These funds came from electronic bingo distributions that the Sheriff is collecting from licensed electronic bingo establishments in Greene County. “We are pleased that the Sheriff has made these funds available to the Greene County Health System but we are concerned that he has suspended regular monthly distributions of bingo funds, since May 2023, which has financially affected the school system, municipalities and other recipients of funding, under his prior rules,” said John Zippert, Chair of the Board of the Greene County Health System.

The future of electronic bingo in Greene County is clouded by an on-going lawsuit by the State Attorney General to close the bingo facilities for conducting illegal gambling.

The uncertainty is compounded by actions in the Alabama State Legislature to establish a lottery and designated casinos, around the state, paying taxes to the state to be used for educational and other purposes. The Alabama House and Senate have passed widely differing versions of the gambling legislation, and there may not be time in this legislative session to reconcile these differences.

Newswire : Mexico’s stand against GMO corn sparks US trade dispute

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By: Ruth Milka, Nation of Change


The tranquil cornfields that sprawl across North America have unexpectedly become the epicenter of a burgeoning trade dispute between the United States and Mexico. At the heart of the contention is Mexico’s firm stance on banning genetically modified (GM) corn imports, a policy that has prompted the United States to escalate the matter to a dispute settlement panel under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Mexico’s Economy Ministry has voiced its intention to robustly defend its GM corn policies, asserting on social media platform X that these policies align with international trade obligations. This declaration sets a defiant tone against the backdrop of the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) accusations that Mexico’s decree infringes upon the scientific standards mandated by the USMCA.
The USTR, led by Katherine Tai, contends that Mexico’s restrictions on GM corn, especially those used for human consumption like dough and tortillas, lack a scientific foundation and contravene the USMCA’s stipulations. “It is critical that Mexico eliminate its USMCA-inconsistent biotechnology measures,” Tai stated, highlighting the potential of innovative agricultural tools to tackle climate and food security challenges.
Amidst this dispute, Mexico’s substantial importation of US GM corn, predominantly for livestock feed and valued at around $5 billion annually, hangs in the balance. Mexican authorities argue that biotech corn poses risks to indigenous corn varieties and may have deleterious health impacts—a claim disputed by the US.
The controversy extends beyond GM corn, with Mexico also moving to ban glyphosate, a herbicide deemed hazardous by Mexican authorities despite global regulatory bodies affirming its safety. This stance has garnered support from various quarters, including Canada, which has expressed concerns similar to those of the US regarding Mexico’s agricultural biotechnology policies.
The dispute has cast a shadow over the Chicago Board of Trade, with corn futures experiencing fluctuations amid concerns that US exports to Mexico could be jeopardized. This economic undercurrent underscores the far-reaching implications of the dispute, extending beyond diplomatic corridors to affect global agricultural markets.
Efforts to resolve the disagreement through formal consultations have proven fruitless, propelling the US to seek arbitration. This decision has been met with applause from US corn trade groups and bipartisan lawmakers, who view Mexico’s policies as detrimental to US agricultural interests.
As the USMCA mandates, a five-person panel will now be convened to adjudicate the dispute, with panelists drawn from a pre-approved roster of experts. This process, which has previously ruled on matters ranging from Canadian dairy quotas to automotive rules of origin, now faces a contentious issue that strikes at the core of agricultural trade and biotechnology.
Amidst this complex web of trade, science, and policy, the voices of those most affected—farmers and consumers in both nations—resonate, calling for a resolution that upholds not only the letter of international agreements but also the spirit of fair and sustainable agriculture.
“We are deeply appreciative of USTR for standing up for America’s corn growers,” expressed Tom Haag of the National Corn Growers Association‘s stand on GMO’s.

Newswire : Trump doubles down on racist remarks, advocates for white immigration only

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Immigrants from Latin America try to cross Rio Grande River,on Texas border

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent


Former President Donald Trump has reignited controversy with inflammatory remarks suggesting a preference for immigrants from predominantly white nations while denigrating those from Latin America, and primarily Black nations. At a private event, Trump reportedly joked about welcoming immigrants from “nice” countries like Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway, again demonstrating his racial bias in immigration policy.
Trump’s comments, revealed by New York Times correspondent and CNN analyst Maggie Haberman, highlight a troubling stance on immigration that aligns with his past rhetoric. The twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president’s insinuation that only immigrants from certain nations are desirable for entry into the United States drew swift condemnation from the Biden-Harris campaign.
“[The comments] are alarming,” said James Singer, a spokesperson for the Biden-Harris campaign. Singer also noted how Trump has repeatedly praised dictators and declared he’d be a dictator on day one if he’s re-elected. Trump’s campaign declined to comment about what the presumptive GOP nominee said at the private dinner.
“Why can’t we allow people to come in from nice countries, I’m trying to be nice,” Trump reportedly said. “Nice countries, you know, like Denmark, Switzerland? Do we have any people coming in from Denmark? How about Switzerland? How about Norway?”
In addition to his discriminatory remarks, Trump blasted Latin American immigrants, likening them to notorious gang members. Critics have said such language perpetuates harmful stereotypes and exacerbates divisions within society.
Further, Trump’s speculations about the future of American democracy have raised alarms. Suggesting that the 2024 election could be the last one in the country’s history, Trump’s comments continue his concerning trend of authoritarian rhetoric that undermines democratic norms.
“This could very well be the last election this country ever has,” Trump said, echoing sentiments often heard at his rallies.
Trump’s engagement with billionaire backers on taxation matters has further highlighted concerns about cronyism and inequality. By prioritizing tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthy, opponents said Trump’s policies perpetuate economic disparities and favor the interests of the elite.
The Biden-Harris campaign noted the list of billionaires backing Trump, arguing that they’re scammers, racists, and extremists. Among them:
John Paulson wants to cut Social Security and opposed financial regulations to protect Americans after the 2008 crash, which he profited from.
Robert Bigelow, who complained he couldn’t evict tenants out of his buildings during the pandemic and supports Florida’s extreme Don’t Say Gay law.
John Catsimatidis, who compared taxes on the wealthy to Hitler killing Jews and his business, has been forced to pay millions in lawsuits over unfair labor practices and consumer safety violations.
José “Pepe” Fanjul refused to fire his assistant, who was married to (two!) KKK leaders commented via a company spokesperson that “we wouldn’t terminate them for that.”
Jamie McCourt pocketed over $10 million from her stock shares before public citizens were made aware of the pandemic’s severity, all while Trump played down the virus.
Former GOP Senator Kelly Loeffler, who touted 2020 election lies, backed an anti-LGBTQ adoption agency and supported ripping away health care from millions of Americans by repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Robert Mercer opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, calling it a major mistake, and believed the government was backward for helping “weak people get strong.”
New York Jets owner, Jeff Yass has avoided $1 billion in taxes and wants to privatize Social Security.
Woody Johnson has repeatedly disparaged women for their looks and questioned why the Black community celebrates Black History Month.
Steve Wynn, who was accused by dozens of workers of sexual misconduct.
Chicago Cubs owner Todd Ricketts, who made his money screwing over retirees by shedding pension obligations and health care promises, opposes the idea that the “government can serve to protect the public’s well-being.”
Phil Ruffin fought against housekeepers trying to unionize at his Vegas hotel (jointly owned by Donald Trump) and furloughed more than 4,000 of his own employees without pay.
Wilbur Ross, whom the Biden-Harris campaign said made his fortune laying off American workers and using bankruptcy to strip retirees of health benefits.
Meanwhile, Singer said its vital American voters reject Trump’s authoritarian impulses and uphold the values of democracy and inclusivity.

“Independence Day in Donald Trump’s America will apparently no longer be July 4,” Singer stated. “He’s promised publicly he’ll be a dictator on his first day, and now privately muses about this November’s election being our country’s last.

Newswire : Alabama Legislature wants state workers to choose Juneteenth or Jefferson Davis’s Birthday

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By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
A bill introduced this month in the Alabama Legislature aims to revise the state’s holiday calendar by adding Juneteenth as a recognized state holiday. The proposed legislation, known as HB367, also proposes that state offices will no longer close on Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s birthday, sparking debate among lawmakers and activists.

The bill seeks to amend Section 138 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which currently lists holidays resulting in state office closures. Under the existing law, state offices close on holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s birthday, and Confederate Memorial Day.

Alabama GOP Rep. Chris Sells of Greenville, the original proponent of the bill, proposed that government employees could decide whether to take off the first Monday in June for Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s birthday or Juneteenth on June 19. Sells asserted that this proposal does not add another holiday to the existing 13 state holidays, addressing concerns raised by some state legislators. The national average of state holidays is 17, four more than Alabama currently recognizes.

However, Alabama Democratic Rep. Chris England of Tuscaloosa argued against the proposal, stating that there are already three state holidays recognizing the Confederacy, making it unnecessary to give employees an either/or choice between Davis’s birthday and Juneteenth.

The controversial bill comes on the heels of Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declaring April 2024 as Confederate Heritage Month in that state, which reportedly keeps alive a 31-year-old tradition that began in 1993. Beauvoir, the Biloxi museum and historic home of Jefferson Davis, which receives funding from the state, announced the proclamation in a Facebook post.

The Mississippi Free Press reported that Beauvoir is owned and operated by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a neo-Confederate organization that promotes “Lost Cause” ideology, a revisionist history that whitewashes the Confederacy’s racist past and downplays the role of slavery in the Civil War. The Free Press noted that Beauvoir annually receives $100,000 from the State of Mississippi for development and maintenance.

Meanwhile, the Alabama bill has faced criticism from activists and community leaders. Tuscaloosa County NAACP President Lisa Young expressed concerns over honoring Jefferson Davis, citing his legacy of racist comments and outward support of slavery.

“Confederate President Jefferson Davis left a legacy of racist comments and outward support of slavery, making many feel a holiday in his honor is inappropriate,” said Young. “One of Davis’s most infamous comments is ‘Our inferior, fitted expressly for servitude.’ We clearly know in 2024 that African Americans have contributed greatly to the growth of the United States and civilization across the world. So, we know that’s a falsehood. And we don’t want to celebrate anybody who held those beliefs.”

Young described Juneteenth as a learning holiday for the entire state. “Juneteenth represents the day the last slaves in the country learned of their freedom,” she said. “We do better when we know better.”

If passed, the proposed legislation will add Juneteenth to the list of recognized holidays in Alabama and introduce Mrs. Rosa L. Parks Day, set for the first day of December each year. If approved by the Alabama Legislature, the bill is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Newswire : Mercedes workers set to vote for union in May; Chattanooga VW factory votes for union representation

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People react as the result of a vote comes in favour of the hourly factory workers at Volkswagen’s assembly plant to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, at a watch party in Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S., April 19, 2024. REUTERS/Seth Herald

By: Patrick Darrington, Alabama Political Reporter

Are workers in Alabama less than a month from agreeing to form a union at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance?
It was announced Thursday that the election to create a union would be held on May 13-17 in person at the Mercedes plant. Five thousand workers will participate in the vote facilitated by the National Labor Relations Board.
The election announcement comes just four months after workers initially proclaimed they were seeking to join the United Auto Workers (UAW). Several workers at the plant commented that they were ready for the election and to win the union.
“Workers at our plant are ready for this moment,” said Jeremy Kimbrell in a statement. “We are ready to vote yes because we are ready to win our fair share. We are going to end the Alabama discount and replace it with what our state actually needs. Workers sticking together and sticking by our community.” 
 Employees at a Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, overwhelmingly voted to join the United Auto Workers union last Friday in a historic first test of the UAW’s renewed effort to organize nonunion factories.
The union wound up getting 2,628 votes, or 73 percent of the ballots cast, compared with only 985 who voted no in an election run by the National Labor Relations Board
Since the unionization campaign has begun Gov. Kay Ivey, the Business Council of Alabama and other business friendly entities have publicly decried the efforts to join the UAW. Earlier last week Ivey joined several other southern governors denouncing the UAW’s unionization efforts throughout the South.
“We the governors of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas are highly concerned about the unionization campaign driven by misinformation and scare tactics that the UAW has brought into our states,” a joint statement said. “As governors, we have a responsibility to our constituents to speak up when we see special interests looking to come into our state and threaten our jobs and the values we live by.
But auto-industry workers in the state remain undeterred in seeking to unionize as they have routinely complained about a lack of feasible pay increases, disrespect by bosses, unsafe work environments and lack of time with family.

Billy Guyton, a worker at the plant, stated that he was ready for the union to advance after Mercedes executives continued, “rolling things back.”
“We’re tired of Mercedes executives rolling things back,” Guyton said. “We’re going to roll our union forward.”  

Newswire : President Biden to deliver Commencement Address at Morehouse College

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By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

President Joe Biden plans to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College on May 19, a significant event as he seeks to strengthen ties with the diverse coalition that played a pivotal role in his election to the White House.

The White House confirmed Biden’s participation on Tuesday, following his planned address to the United States Military Academy at West Point on May 25. The Morehouse address marks the second consecutive year Biden will address the graduating class of a prominent historically Black institution, having spoken at Howard University in 2023.

Morehouse College is renowned for its storied history and legacy of nurturing influential Black leaders, including civil rights luminary Martin Luther King Jr. and Georgia’s first Black U.S. Senator, Sen. Raphael Warnock. It is considered a beacon of empowerment and academic excellence.

Warnock, a Morehouse alum, said he was excited about the president’s planned address. “I am thrilled to see President Biden return to our great state to deliver this year’s commencement address,” Warnock stated. “His administration’s commitment to addressing the soaring costs of higher education and initiatives like canceling debt for over 4 million Americans have been pivotal in narrowing the racial wealth gap.”

President of Morehouse College, David Thomas, also expressed excitement for Biden’s participation in the commencement ceremony, stating, “We are deeply honored that President Biden has accepted our invitation,” Thomas insisted. “His presence is a testament to our institution’s enduring legacy and our unwavering commitment to excellence, progress, and positive transformation.” 

Henry Goodgame, a Morehouse alumnus and vice president of external relations & alumni engagement, said Biden’s address comes during a pivotal moment for America. “We have invited the leader of the free world to address our community, tackling pressing issues and inspiring our next generation of leaders,” Goodgame commented.

Mekhi Perrin, president of the Student Government Association at Morehouse, highlighted the college’s rich tradition of hosting influential figures and shared the students’ aspirations for the future. “We seek an equitable society that upholds the dignity and respect of all individuals, irrespective of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sex, identity, socioeconomic status, or background,” Perrin articulated.

Meanwhile, White House officials said Biden’s address at Morehouse College reaffirms his administration’s commitment to addressing racial disparities and advancing educational opportunities for all Americans.
 

Mrs. Martha James honored at Women in Agriculture Conference

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Shown L to R: Ms. Ethel Giles, Ms. Edna James, Ms. Martha James, Ms. Doris Williams and Ms. Audrey Haskins.

As a member of the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives, Mrs. Martha James was recognized and honored as the oldest living female farmer, still working and caring for the land, at the Women in Agriculture Conference sponsored by ASAP on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Mrs. James maintains 160 acres of land in Greene and Sumter Counties in Alabama. She maintains more than 35 head of cattle; a Loblolly Pine Forest and raises vegetables for the Greene & Sumter Farmers Cooperative every year. She is a lifelong member of G & S Co-op, serving aa a mentor to other farmers.

Ms. James is a member of 2nd Baptist Church of Eutaw and attends the Greene County Community Center for Seniors. She is the mother of four children.

ASAP proclaimed Mrs. James as an Elder of the Coop Community and an example of Finer Womanhood. The Women’s Conference was held at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund Rural Training & Research Center in Epes, AL.

Eutaw City Council takes up some cost saving measures to avoid budgetary shortfall

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At its Working Session on April 8 and its regular meeting on April 9, 2024, the Eutaw City Council took some steps to reduce expenditures and increase income to avoid a budget shortfall toward the end of its fiscal year, coming in the last few months of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

The Council was in part reacting to a mid-year financial report from Fiscal Adviser, Ralph Liverman, which showed deficits in the water and sewer department and a lack of income from rental of the Robert H. Young Community Center and other city properties. The report also indicated that the city had received no revenues from electronic bingo, distributed by the Sheriff, since May 2023. In past years, bingo funds were used to cover departmental deficits and capital improvements, like road and bridge repairs.

The Council adopted a resolution setting rates for the short-term use of the Robert H. Young Community Center (formerly Carver School). The general rental rate for the gymnasium space is set for $300 for use from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Non-profit entities can be exempted from rental rates, by the Eutaw City Council, if the activity is for a public purpose. The charge for funerals is $100.

If the renter is charging admission or using the facility for fundraising an additional fee of $250 will be charged. Non-profit agencies can apply for exemption of this requirement. If alcohol is being served at a rental event, all individuals admitted must be 21 years of age and appropriate security is contracted.

There is also a refundable $150 charge as a cleaning deposit, if the renter does not leave the property in satisfactory condition, the deposit will be forfeited, otherwise it will be refunded to the renter. No cleaning deposit will be charged for funerals.

The Eutaw City Council approved a new work schedule for all city employees, with the exception of police officers, for a half day of work on Thursdays and Fridays (8:00 AM to Noon). This will cutback employees to a four-day week and allow the retention of all existing employees, without having to layoff anyone, while also saving some funds.

The Council also approved a policy to limit overtime by city employees to the exact time of additional work required for emergencies. Some employees were receiving an automatic three hours for being called for overtime work. This practice will be changed to actual time worked and limited to emergencies. Some water and sewer employees were asked to do overtime work, when problems developed for residents, who has back-flow valves installed on their water meters. Mayor Johnson said she was seeking reimbursement for those overtime hours from the general contractor who handled installation of the back-flow valves.

The Council received a report at the Work Session, from Sarah Leavelle, from the Water and Sewer Department, concerning a rate analysis, last year, from the University of North Carolina, that recommended a gradual increase in water and sewer rates. The proposal recommends an increase in the rates by 15% the first year, increasing by 5% a year over the next four years. The base rate for water, for residential customers, would increase from the current minimum of $14.41 for two thousand (2,000) gallons to $16.57 for the first year, by the end of five years, the base rate would increase to $20.14. The rate per thousand additional gallons would increase, over five years, from $5.39 to $6.88 per 1,000 gallons.

Sewer rates would increase by a corresponding amount and help to close the deficit in these departments between revenues and expenses. The City Council will need to pass an ordinance to implement the water and sewer rate increases. The matter was referred to Zane Willingham, City Attorney, to prepare an ordinance.

In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

• Approved a partnership with the City and the University of Alabama’s
Life Research Institute dealing with improving cardiovascular heath for residents.
• Changed the signatures on the Police DARES bank account.
• Approved payment of bills.
• Heard a report from Courtney Ransom of vandalism at the horse arena in City Park, which was granted to her horse organization for horse shows and rides. She asked for more police presence to check the park.
• Councilman Woodruff complimented City Police investigator for his presentation to the Grand Jury.
• Police Chief Johnson reported that the Eutaw Police Department will hold its 4th Annual First Responders Day and Parade on May 14, 2024.
• Sarah Leavelle reported that the City Water Department had $107,156.70 in collections for the month of March 2024, including 335 on-line payments of $27,126.13; and 1,544 active customers.