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.