The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Eutaw City Council

  • Eutaw City Council meets to discuss contracts for city improvements

    Eutaw City Council meets to discuss contracts for city improvements

    By Maya Quinn, editor

    Eutaw City Council met for a regular session on September 8th, 2026, at 5:00 pm in City Hall. Mayor Corey Cockrell, administrators, and council members were present. Councilman Woodruff established decorum before the council entered an executive session for approximately fifteen minutes. The agenda was amended to include items 7 and 8 that were discussed during the executive session; no other decisions were made. 

    Mayor Cockrell began his report by thanking the councilmembers for their diligence and vigilance within their respective districts. He implored citizens to continue discouraging littering and “speak life into the city of Eutaw.” He reported that construction on City Hall’s roof is on schedule and the city’s workers are striving to ensure Eutaw is “looking good.” He also assured Councilmembers Valerie Watkins, Carrie Logan, and Lorenzo French that staff is working on locating the owners of properties in every district that violate Ordinance No. 2024-20-06 # 6: Ordinance Regulating Grass and Weed Nuisances, Accumulation of Rubbish, Abandoned and Inoperable Vehicles, Abandoned/Dilapidated Structures, and other Nuisances. Councilman French requested that they urgently start ticketing properties with hazardous debris. Councilwoman Watkins named a home on O’Neal Street in such condition. Property owners, business and residential, who reside outside of the city are still held liable. The ordinance will be reposted on greenecodemocrat.com along with enforcement procedures.

    Eutaw City Council met for a regular session on September 8th, 2026, at 5:00 pm in City Hall. Mayor Corey Cockrell, administrators, and council members were present. Councilman Woodruff established decorum before the council entered an executive session for approximately fifteen minutes. The agenda was amended to include items 7 and 8 that were discussed during the session; no other decisions were made.

    Mayor Cockrell began his report by thanking the councilmembers for their diligence and vigilance within their respective districts. He implored citizens to continue discouraging littering and “speak life into the city of Eutaw.” He reported that construction on City Hall’s roof is on schedule and the city’s workers are striving to ensure Eutaw is “looking good.” He also assured

    Councilmembers Valerie Watkins, Carrie Logan, and Lorenzo French that staff is working on locating the owners of properties in every district that violate Ordinance No. 2024-20-06 # 6: Ordinance Regulating Grass and Weed Nuisances, Accumulation of Rubbish, Abandoned and Inoperable Vehicles, Abandoned/Dilapidated Structures, and other Nuisances. Councilman French requested that they urgently start ticketing properties with hazardous debris. Councilwoman Watkins named a home on O’Neal Street in such condition. Property owners, business and residential, who reside outside of the city are still held liable. The ordinance will be reposted on greenecodemocrat.com along with enforcement procedures.

    During councilmember reports, Councilwoman Tracey Hunter asks citizens to keep Branch Heights uplifted in prayers, especially regarding the safety of their youth. Councilman Jonathan Woodruff complimented the work done on Robert Young Community Center’s Roof and reported that a meeting with the Finance Committee will be scheduled soon.


    The following agenda items were approved during the session

    1. Grover and Frazier General Contracting for Shutters to be installed at City Hall; racing commission funds will cover the amount agreed upon

    2. Revised Supplemental Loan #1 Application Form-Revised on August 17, 2026

    3. Quote from Red Clay Concrete Company LLC for National Guard Armory

    4. FY27 American Red Cross Campaign Pledge

    5. Registration, travel, and per diem for Councilwoman Watkins to attend NLC in Nashville, TN, November 19-22, 2026

    6. Payment of bills

    7. Approval for hazard mitigation plan as devised by the Greene County EMA

    8. Disciplinary hearing for Officer Chief Kendrick Howell

    During public comments, multiple citizens echoed concerns about big trucks damaging roads and road signs in their districts. Ms. Faye Tyree has observed trucks continuously passing through undesignated areas, creating holes in the asphalt. One citizen asked if the city will enforce designated areas for big truck traffic; no confirmation was given.

    John Cashin from the Eutaw Airport Authority Board also provided a progress update. The board is working to remedy the airport’s remaining two violations, resurfacing the runway and moving a beacon. Cashin is seeking permission to move the beacon and renovate a fire engine into a parade vehicle, as the land and vehicle are under city jurisdiction. Administrator Joe Powell explained that under the agreement between the board and the city, he would be allowed to do so using Airport Authority Board funds.

    The next city council meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 5:00 pm in City Hall and will be live on the City of Eutaw Facebook.

     

  • City council addresses sudden water bill increases and announces a myriad of June events

    City council addresses sudden water bill increases and announces a myriad of June events

    by Maya Quinn, managing editor

    On Tuesday, June 9th, the Eutaw City Council met for its regular session. All city council members were present for the session, with Councilwoman Watkins arriving shortly after new business discussions began.

    The City of Eutaw’s water system recently received updates through satellite upgrades and new meters. Mayor Cockrell explained that the city had been operating under a billing rate from 2024 and was required by state auditors to implement the 2026 rate moving forward. “We are working diligently to improve the water system,” Mayor Cockrell began, “We want to serve every customer the right way.” Cockrell acknowledged that many citizens are receiving heavily inflated bills due to antenna readings that do not account for water leaks. He urges citizens to come to city hall to have their rates adjusted, and that city workers are working up to 14-hour days on leaks. New pipe installations are underway as well.

    During council member reports, Councilman Woodruff also testified to the city workers’ efforts. “We have some tremendous workers,” he stated as he recounted personnel answering a 5:00 am call on a Friday morning in his district. Workers solved the issue in less than 2 hours and continued to work well into the evening, ensuring water services were not impeded by any leaks.

    Council members and attendees also presented several upcoming events across the city this June:

    • June 13: Councilwoman Watkins will be handing out free, fresh produce at 218 Boligee St. at 10:00 am
    • June 16: Councilman French reminded everyone that there are run-off and Senate elections to vote for
    • June 19: Councilman Woodruff announced a Juneteenth Celebration at Boligee Community Center Stadium from 5:00-8:30 pm
    • June 20: Councilman French announced a community play on bullying in Demopolis, performed by local youth
    • June 27: Councilwoman Logan announced a 250 Years of America Celebration starting with a parade at 3:00 pm and ending with fireworks at R.H. Young Community Center at 8:30 pm

     

    The following business items were approved or discussed during the session:

    1. Approved the proposal from Shawn Home Improvement, LLC for painting of the gym; Councilwoman Logan opposed. Council confirmed that there is no mold in the building.
    2. Approved travel, registration, and meals for Councilwoman Hunter to attend CMO training ALM 2026 in Birmingham, AL, on June 25, 2026
    3. Approved travel, registration, and meals for Councilwoman Logan to attend CMO training ALM 2026 in Montgomery, AL, on July 30, 2026
    4. Approved travel, registration, and meals for Chief Kendrick Howell to attend a Conference in Fort Payne, AL, June 9-12, 2026
    5. Approved ARSES/APEAL’s Retiree Longevity Bonus Legislation (Act 2026-608)
    6. Discussed intent to re-negotiate Property Use Agreement between the City of Eutaw and the Sixth Days Saddle Club

    The next regular session will be held on June 23, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Please urge your fellow citizens to attend and bring any concerns before the council. As Mayor Cockrell stated, the council is eager to “follow up on community engagements for ideas and visions from citizens.”

    Featured Image: Eutaw City Council members at the June 9th regular session (The Democrat media library)
  • City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads

    City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads

    Featured above: city council with water and sewage personnel showing the new sewer jetter

    by Maya Quinn, editor

    City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads

    Eutaw City Council met for its regular session on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026. All council members were present for the meeting and approved the minutes of the May 12th session. The main topics of discussion for the meeting included the application plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund, roofing bids, and the purchase of a new sewage jetter. 

    During the new business, Mayor Cockrell introduced Cara Stallman from Grant Management LLC, based in Baldwin County, to lead the discussion regarding the CDBG fund for the City of Eutaw. Stallman explained that the city’s demographics “are perfect for this money,” citing a high proportion of low-income residents and the need for newly paved roads as her reasoning. The CDBG funds would be used for streets such as Carver Circle, 1st Ave, Constantine Street, and Springfield Avenue. “We’re not gonna put a band-aid on it,” Stallman said as she explained that the roads would be stripped and completely paved anew when asked about patching and drainage. 

    Stallman has also worked with other cities in the Black Belt, such as Boligee, where she helped them obtain funds for new roads and a playground near their city hall. Mayor Cockrell voiced his confidence in Stallman’s abilities, recalling her 85% success rate. “She has worked wonders,” he stated.

    Following the grant discussions, Mayor Cockrell announced that the city had purchased a new sewage jetter, the Harben DTK 750 ET 180 Manual. The new jetter can clean the interior walls of pipes from grease sludge to tree roots. Cockrell also reminded citizens about the new sewage flushing equipment and to call city hall or council members directly if there is brown water.

    Council members also shared status reports from their districts. Councilwoman Watkins of District 1 reminded attendees that the Caring People initiative, started by her late husband, will be handing out free produce on Saturday, June 13th, at 10 am. Councilwoman Hunter of District 3 stated that the gas bill had decreased significantly and thanked everyone for their continued efforts. Mr. Joe Powell requested prayers regarding a heart procedure.

    Here are the approved agenda items for the meeting:

    1. Accept the Four-Factor Analysis for Limited English Proficiency Persons: CDBG Program
    2. Approve the Sample Citizen Participation Plan CDBG Program
    3. Approve Resolution 2026-03: Authorizing Application for CDBG Funds for FY 2026 (Due July 2nd)
    4. Approve Resolution 2026-04: Purchase of Harben DTK 750 ET 180 Manual from Patterson Equipment of The Woodlands, TX
    5. Opening Bids for City Hall and R.H. Young Community Center Roofs
    6. Approve Payment of Bills

    The next Eutaw City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th, at 5 pm.

     

    Featured image credentials: Maya Quinn on iPhone 15

  • Eutaw City Council approves purchase of 200 new water meters to replace those that are not working properly

    The Eutaw City Council met on February 10, 2026, for its first regular meeting of the month. Mayor Cockrell and all council members were present.
    The Council approved purchase of 200 new Neptune Procorder R9000 water meters for the Water Department at a cost of $34,400 or $ 172 per meter. These meters will be used to replace meters that were installed improperly and meters that are not functioning properly. This will insure that the Water Department will be getting accurate readings and can bill residents correctly for the water they are using.
    The Council also approved $16,000 for purchase of an 8 inch UME Machid R900 water pump for the well no.4 on the Lower Gainesville Road. The pump meter had to be replaced to insure a continuing flow of water into the system. This is the type of continuing maintenance and repair that the Water Department is responsible to make and pay for out of water bill revenues.
    The Council heard from a representative of ETA Data Systems on their software to operate the Water Department billing. The Council is trying to see which software and billing system is most compatible and cost effective for their operations. It was the consensus of the Council members that both companies bring a demonstration of their system and allow the staff that will actually be using the software, to test it out and determine which will serve their needs in the best way.
    The Council voted to accept a lease addendum on property owned by the City and Long and Huffed Farms, for $3,000 annually, for the location of a Ferrell Gas Company Tank on the Lock 7 road. The details of the lease were worked out by the parties in consultation with Zane Willingham, the city’s legal counsel.
    The Council tabled action on a resolution to engage Shuyron Macon of Knight and Day Group LLC, a Houston, Texas based law firm, specializing in municipal bond financing for smaller size cities, like Eutaw, Alabama, to do a study of the economic feasibility and constraints on the city in issuing bonds to finance longer term repairs to roads, infrastructure and buildings in the city. The City’s legal counsel also had some questions and concerns about the agreement, which need to be worked out. Council members agreed to consider these issues in the next work session, which is scheduled for February 17, 2026.
    In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:
    • Approved Mandatory Skidcar Training for Police officers on February 23 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
    • Approved voting delegates for the Alabama League of Municipalities. Mayor Cockrell will be the Voting Delegate, Tracey Hunter will be first alternative and Carrie Logan will be second voting delegate.
    • Approved payment of bills including a revised AT&T invoice for telephone services.

    Mayor Cockrell reported that he was working on a master plan for the repair of roads, bridges and drainage in the city. He is also working on a plan to improve the buildings and infrastructure owned by the city including City Hall, Lock 7 Park, the Robert H. Young Community Center and the National Guard Armory. More information on these plans will be provided as they are developed and funds are identified and secured to finance the updating and repairs to these city owned assets and properties.

  • Eutaw City Council approves budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026

    The Eutaw City Council met on November 25, 2025, for its regular fourth Tuesday meeting. The mayor and five council members were present.
    The Council adopted its budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending. September 30, 20256. The budget was prepared by James Lewis, the new fiscal advisor, who replaced Ralph Liverman, who moved out of state to live with his children. Lewis works for the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service in financial literacy and has an MBA with experience in managing several local businesses.
    Lewis who participated in a Eutaw City Council work session earlier in the month, on November 18th, said his goal was to reflect increasing revenues and cut expenses to have a budget with a greater surplus, that could be utilized for needed infrastructure improvements to the city’s streets, roadways, bridges, community facilities , utilities and other city assets.
    Lewis said he based the budget on current and actual revenues, expenses are tied to actual personnel employed, all salaries are the current approved amount with some adjustment for merit raises newly provided. There is no across the board or cost based salary increases at this time.
    The budget shows for the General Fund, total revenues of $3,078,216 with expenditures of $2,121,119 with a surplus of $957,097. For the Water Fund, total revenues are $815,000, less expenditures of $749,394, yielding $65,606. For the sewer fund, total receipts are projected at $348,294 and expenses at $293,254, with a surplus of $65,040.
    All the personnel, benefits, equipment and supplies for each city department and functional area are explained in detail in the budget. As time moves forward, one can review and evaluate if expenses are in compliance with budgeted amounts and make necessary adjustments. Copies of the full budget that was approved are available for review by residents .
    The Council tabled a decision on purchasing a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe for Administrative use until more budgetary review.
    In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:
    • Approved Resolution No. 2025-28 for participation in the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, later in the year.
    • Approved sponsorship at the silver level ($300) for the 50th Anniversary Dinner for the Federation of Greene County Employees Federal Credit Union on December 11, 2025.
    • Approved a $100 advertisement in the Greene County Progress edition.
    • Approved Software Management Agreement with BBI, Inc.
    •Approved payment of bills for the month.
    Mayor Corey Cockrell reported on discussions with ServPro on repairing the roofs on the Carver School Gymnasium and the National Guard Armory. He also said that the city employees were going to trench all ditches on city property over the next two weeks. He mentioned preparations for a city sponsored Thanksgiving dinner.
    In public comments, Jacky Hamilton complimented the city staff on correcting a fire hydrant leak at the corner of Pickens and Prairie streets. Debbie Duncan questioned when the city held a public hearing on the budget to get citizen input to the budgetary process.

  • Ke’Undra Cox qualifies for Eutaw City Council District I

    I am excited and honored to officially announce my candidacy for Eutaw City Council, District 1. Like many of you, I have watched our city face significant challenges. I’ve asked myself the same question you have: When will we finally move forward? When will we see real progress? I’ve come to this answer—progress is not given; it is earned through hard work, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of what’s possible.

    That is the commitment I make to you. Every day, I will dedicate myself to doing the hard work of moving Eutaw forward. I will not rest until we have not only met but exceeded our potential.

    My Platform: 5 Key Priorities for District 1: 1. Public Safety – Building a safer community for all. 2. Economic Prosperity – Creating opportunities for growth and local success. 3. Transparency – Ensuring open, honest, and accountable leadership. 4. Citizen Involvement – Empowering every voice and strengthening community engagement. 5.Population Growth – Positioning Eutaw as a city where people want to live, work, and raise families.

    If we can advance these five priorities, I firmly believe we will create a city where residents can thrive and businesses can grow.

    I won’t take up your time with a lengthy biography, but I will share this: service has been the foundation of my life. As a child, I proudly wore the uniform of the Boy Scouts of America, where I first learned the value of serving my community with honor and pride. After high school, I enlisted in the Air Force Reserve to defend the rights and freedoms of our nation. Today, I continue that service as the President of the West Alabama Young Democrats, where I have worked to uplift young people and promote social justice across our region.

    I am ready to work. I am ready to lead. And I am ready to serve you. Together, our future is bright. Let’s move forward—because together, anything is possible. Warm regards, Ke’Undra Cox, Candidate for Eutaw City Council, District 1.

     

     

  • Eutaw City Council raises pay for police department

    At its regular meeting on March 12, 2024, the Eutaw City Council agreed to a budget adjustment to increase the pay of police officers based on their years of experience working with the city.

    This action was in response to a concern raised by Police Chief Tommy Johnson that four officers had left the staff since the beginning of the calendar year because they received offers of higher pay from neighboring police departments.

    “Our starting salary of $15.00 an hour was too low to attract or keep trained officers,” said Chief Johnson. The mayor also indicated that the police department was currently paying overtime pay rates to officers to cover all required shifts.

    Council members, Jonathan Woodruff and Tracey Hunter, who are members of the Council Finance Committee, proposed an adjustment to the budget, which would raise the base pay, for police officers who completed training to $17.00 an hour ($35,360 annually), with one to five years’ experience. The salary for officers with 6 to 10 years’ experience would be increased to $18.00 an hour ($37,440 annually). For officers with more than 10 years, the pay rate was increased to $19.00 an hour ($39,520 annually)

    The Chief of Police will continue to receive $65,000 annually The Assistant Chief was raised to $22.00 an hour or $45,760 annually. There may be some other adjustments based on years of service. There were no cadets budgeted for this fiscal year, which created the budgetary savings to allow the increased salaries, within the current budget for this fiscal year.

    Chief Johnson said he would be able to recruit new replacement officers at the new pay rate but still urged further increases to allow for retention of capable and experienced personnel.

    The Council tabled action on setting rates for rental of the R. H. Young Community Center (formerly Carver School) since City Attorney, Zane Willingham, who helped draft the rates, was away attending a conference for municipal attorneys.

    At its prior meeting on February 27, 2024, the Council voted to change the check signers on all city accounts in Merchants and Farmers Bank. There will be two signatories, on each check, of three signers: Council members: Tracey Hunter and Jonathan Woodruff and Chief Clerk, SheKelvia Spencer. This action removed Mayor Latasha Johnson, as a check signer.

    The Mayor indicated some displeasure and disagreement with being removed from check signing but said she would abide by the Council’s decision, if they made sure to sign checks on a timely basis as needed.
    The Mayor said, “No money is missing, nothing is hidden, no money has been mis-spent. We have an audit that shows that we are financially stable and following our budget. In the past, we did not have our finances in good condition, but now under my leadership we do. There is no reason to remove me as a check signer.”

    In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

    • Approved a resolution to allow the mayor to seek bids to renovate the restrooms at City Hall.

    • Approved a retail liquor license for Madi Food Mart, which plans to re-open a closed convenience store on Greensboro Avenue in Eutaw.

    • Approved travel for several city officials to attend upcoming conferences and training.

    • Received financial reports from Ralph Liverman, Fiscal Adviser, on bank accounts and loan balances. This included a report that 29 monthly payments had been made on the City’s four-year, equipment loan of $500,370, with 19 payments totaling $206,198 remaining to be paid. This monthly expenditure is included in the budget.

    • Received a report from the Chamber of Commerce that they received a $5,000 grant for a mural to be painted on the wall of a building in downtown Eutaw.

    • Approved payment of bills.

    The meeting ended with a discussion of the need to keep the streets of Eutaw clean and that some people were dumping trash and other waste materials at the side of the road and in ditches in the city. The mayor stated that she would work with residents and businesses to keep the areas around their homes and workspaces clean. Lorenzo French suggested involving young people in the clean-up efforts, so they would help maintain the clean streets and areas of the city.

  • Eutaw City Council learns that city is losing police officers due to low pay

    At its regular meeting on February 13, 2024, the Eutaw City Council learned from Chief of Police Tommy Johnson that three police officers had left the staff to take jobs at other law enforcement agencies, due to low pay.
    Currently Eutaw police officers have a starting pay of $15.00 an hour which the officers said is not sufficient for their essential and needed services. This wage is comparable to many fast-food workers in the area, who do not have the same risks and danger faced by police officers.

    Chief Johnson said that four additional officers may leave and that the current staffing pattern requires extensive overtime pay because there are not enough officers to cover all shifts.

    The Eutaw City Council, at this meeting, approved an amended policy on the use of city vehicles which allows police officers to drive cars home, beyond the police jurisdiction, but not for personal use beyond the roundtrip to work. This will also allow the police, who live out of town, to respond to emergencies more quickly. An earlier version of the policy required parking of all city vehicles including police cars. Chief Johnson and some police officers objected to the original policy and the effort to control and reduce a small benefit to police officers, which may have contributed to some officers leaving the staff.

    Council members concerned about the reduced number of police officers, agreed to a Council Work Session on Thursday, February 22, 2024, to review the police budget and possibly adjust pay rates to improve recruitment and retention of police officers.

    The Council considered a fee schedule for the rental and use of the Robert H. Young Community Center (formerly the Carver School) which the city purchased from the Board of Education. The proposal suggested $300 for a four hour basic rental of the gymnasium, and increments for additional hours, also if funds are raised and further if alcohol is served at the function. The facility has been used for funerals, by 501c3 non-profit organizations and others who may not be able to afford these rates. The Council tabled the rental fee schedule for further discussion at the upcoming work session.

    The Council approved salary raises for two of three city employees, who were recently promoted: Broderick Lewis as General Superintendent at $18/hour; and Marcus Burton, Water and Sewer Supervisor at $17/hour; Paul Jones raise is pending based on resolution of a problem with his driver’s license.

    In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

    • Approved the low bid of $1,074,075.09, of Cornerstone Civil Contractors, for the Eutaw Courthouse Streetscape Project and sent the information forward to the Alabama Department of Transportation and Goodwyn, Mills and Caywood, project engineer, for contract award and initiation of construction.

    • Approved Ordinance No 2024-20-06 #6 regulating grass and weed nuisances, accumulation of rubbish, abandoned and inoperable vehicles, abandoned/dilapidated structures, and other nuisances. This ordinance simplifies the process for dealing with these nuisances and eye soars in the city.

    • Received a report from Logan Land Company that land owned by the City of Eutaw on County Road 53, also known as Lock 7 road, which is zoned M-1, for light industry is worth $10,000 to $15,000 per acre for sale in 4-to-5-acre parcels. A church group had indicated an interest in purchasing some of the city’s land in this location, which prompted the city to seek an estimated commercial value for the property.

    • Received notice from Mayor Johnson that the City of Eutaw had submitted documents to be included in the RAISE Grant, a program by Auburn University to build sidewalks and crosswalks on Greensboro Avenue, Hwy 14 to Highway 43, reaching to the Carver Circle community and public housing units.

    • Approved a proposal from Lorenzo French, PARA Director for a one-week Boys and Girls Basketball Camp at the Robert H. Young Community Center in June 2024.

    • Approved payment of bills for the past month.

  • Eutaw City Council meets to handle financial matters

    By: John Zippert, Co-Publisher

    Most of November 14, 2023, meeting of the Eutaw City Council was devoted to financial matters and a review of the revised budget for the Fiscal Year October 1,2023 to September 30, 2024. Three City Council members: Larrie Coleman, Valerie Watkins and Jacqueline Stewart and Mayor Latasha Johnson were present.

    The first item considered was leasing of a new 2023 John Deere Cab Tractor for 5 years, from Sun South LLC for $96,852, with 60 monthly payments of $1,926, a five-year warranty and a $1.00 buyout at the end of the lease. Mayor Johnson said it was critical for the city to get a new tractor for grass cutting. The old tractor is often in the shop and costs more to repair than the monthly lease on a new tractor.

    Councilwoman Valerie Watkins said she was reluctant to vote for a major capital expenditure without studying the revised budget to make sure funds were available. Financial Adviser Ralph Liverman explained some changes that he had made to the budget to meet state requirements and said the funds for the new tractor were included in the budget, along with other road and street improvements.

    Liverman said he reduced the General Fund budget by $300,000 for the new fiscal year, because the City was no long receiving funds from electronic bingo. “If these funds are restored, you can place them in the Capital Improvements Fund and fix more city roads and bridges.

    Liverman also said he reduced the General Fund by $450,000 to account for being required, by the State of Alabama, to move these funds to a new separate bank account. He indicated that the funds could be used for street and road improvements and that he had also moved some expenditures for road projects from the General Fund to this new fund for the local gas tax. Liverman also indicated that the city’s share of local gas tax collection increased from $70,000 to over $400,000 annually, since Love’s Truck and Travel Center was operating in Eutaw.

    After this discussion, it was moved by Councilwoman Stewart and seconded by Councilman Coleman to lease the tractor. The motion passed 3 to 1 with the Mayor’s vote in favor. A resolution was also approved to contract for Living Water Services to handle operations and analytical services for the City of Eutaw Lagoon for $1,850 a month, A resolution was also approved to pave a portion of the Lower Gainesville Road in the City of Eutaw.

    The Council was informed that two cadets sent to the police academy by the Eutaw Police Department were graduating on November 16th in Tuscaloosa. Several police officers and city employees plan to attend the graduation to encourage the cadets to join the city workforce.

    Mayor Johnson proposed that the City Council reinstate the old policy that police and other city employees can drive vehicles home to be ready to come to emergency situations quickly. After questioning, the Mayor said she never did implement the change in the policy, because the Council did not set dates and timetables for implementing the policy. The Mayor said that she was requiring the drivers to keep mileage and maintenance logs to take care of the cars.

    The Council heard a presentation on setting up a Greene County Saddle Club to encourage horse riding in an organized way. Once set up the Saddle Club would like to use the facilities in the City Park at Lock 7 for horse shows and other events. The Council asked the group to make a specific proposal that they could take action to implement.

    The Council passed a resolution declaring vacant the District 2 seat, held by Lajeffrey Carpenter, who pled quilty to the felony of using city property for personal gain. The Mayor said residents of District 2 could submit their names and a letter of interest in the position, so the Council could fill the position, within the next sixty days. The Council also voted to remove Carpenter’s name from all bank accounts on which he was a signatory.

    The Council approved resolutions for the revised budget for the FY2023-24 and opening a new account for deposit of a local gas tax funds.

    In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

    • Approved Thanksgiving holiday for staff for November 22 (half day) and all of Nov. 23 and 24.
    • Approved Police Chief Tommy Johnson request purchasing 4 VHF Motorola, two-way radios, at a cost of $880 each radio.
    • Tabled payment of a $1,500 claim for Gloria Mobley.
    • Approved payment of bills for October 2023.
    • Agreed to hold a Council Work Session on November 27, 2023, at 3:30 PM, before the next regular City Council meeting on November 28, 2023.

  • Eutaw City Council approves agreement for new water operator

    At its regular meeting on April 10, 2023, the Eutaw City Council approved an agreement with J&K Water Consultants of Northport, Alabama to serve as water operator for the city. A certified water operator is required by Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and is critically needed as the city moves forward with multi-million-dollar grants to repair and improve the unified Eutaw and Boligee Water System.

    Corey Martin, previous certified water operator and IT (computer) specialist with the city resigned and moved on to a position in another city.

    Johnathon Nixon, who is a certified water operator, working in Northport will visit the city weekly to monitor wells and tanks, take water samples, assist in repairing water leaks and making monthly reports to ADEM and the city. According to Mayor Johnson, Nixon has roots in Greene County and previously worker for the city, under prior administrations.

    J&K Water Consultants will work with existing city staff to maintain the system on a daily basis and be available for leaks and special problems beyond the monthly water sampling and reporting. J&K will be paid $1,500 a
    month for their services.

    Ralph Liverman presented the Council with a set of documents on the city’s finances that were not reviewed at the meeting. Among the documents was a report for the first six months of the 2022-23 fiscal year, October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.This report covered 19 bank accounts that the city has including the General Fund, Water and Sewer Funds, Capital Improvement, Gas Tax Funds, Municipal Court and COVID Relief.

    In a prior council work session, Liverman said that revenues for the first half of the year were meeting budgetary projections. Expenses were running slightly ahead of budget because of clean-up efforts after the November 28, 2022, and January 12, 2023, tornados. The City expects reimbursement from FEMA for most of the clean-up and debris management costs from the January storm, which received a Federal disaster declaration from FEMA, that was not available for the earlier storm.

    Liverman also provided the City Council with a copy of a check for $32,880, which was the first disbursement from the State of Alabama for the first phase of the ADEM sponsored water and sewer improvement project. The funds were deposited in a special account as required by ADEM. The City Council agreed to set up two new bank accounts one for the Water Project and one for the Sewer Project at its December meeting. The report shows that the city is in compliance with ADEM requirements on handling funds.

    The City Council tabled action on changing and approving the signatories for bank accounts in Merchants and Farmers Bank. The Council also tabled action on a request from Rev. Siegfried Williams, Pastor of Freedom Rock Church in Eutaw, who wanted to purchase some property from the city, since Rev. Williams was not in attendance at the meeting. The City Council did approve payment of bills and claims.

    In her Mayor’s Report, Latasha Johnson thanked all of her staff members for their devoted work on behalf of the city. She mentioned that Samuel Braggs, a long-time city employee had passed.

    Police Chief Tommy Johnson announced that a First Responders Parade will be held on May 25th. Carrie Logan with the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce announced a clean-up day on Saturday, April 22, when volunteers will collect and bag-up trash in the city.