Eutaw celebrated two milestones on June 29th, 2024: Wilma Wedgeworth’s 40 years as custodian and Assistant Chief Smith’s retirement from EPD. We appreciate their dedication and hard work. Eutaw Police Department

In its first regular meeting for the month, on July 9th, the Eutaw City Council continued its efforts to control expenses by rejecting several requests for new expenses proposed by Mayor Latasha Johnson. Councilman Larrie Coleman was absent, all other members were present.

Under Old Business, the Eutaw Council voted to disapprove travel, registration and per diem expenses for Angelia Bonner and Barbara Collins to attend the AL E-911 Gulf Coast Conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama from October 13-16, 2024. The Council did not feel the travel expense was justified based on the program agenda provided. The Mayor argued that the two employees needed to get the information and training because it relates to do their jobs effectively.

The Council also rejected approval of three contracts for persons employed by the city. One contract was for Sara Leavelle to serve as Utility Clerk at the Water Department. Ms. Leavelle had announced that she was leaving her city job for higher pay in a neighboring municipality but changed her mind and wanted to stay with the City of Eutaw. The Mayor offered her a contract at a higher salary because she decided to stay. The Mayor also had prepared contracts for City Attorney, Zane Willingham and Joshua Swords, City Judge, for approval by the Council.

Speaking for the Eutaw City Council, Councilwoman Tracie Hunter, said it was unfair to give an increase to one employee rather than evaluate all the employees for a raise at the start of the next fiscal year. Hunter said she felt all the city employees were doing a dedicated job, above and beyond the call of duty. Councilman Jonathan Woodruff said the contracts the Mayor proposed were for four years and would have bound the next elected Mayor and Council that may wish to employ others in these positions.

The City Council did approve payment to Harbin and Stough PC for $31,000 for the FY2023 Audit report. They approved $300 for a full-page ad in the Black Belt Folk Roots Festival program booklet. The Council also agreed to support “Fun Day” for youth at the R. H. Young Community Center. No specific request was submitted so the staff were asked to find out what was needed and the cost of sponsorship. The Council also voted to pay outstanding bills.

In the Public Comments section of the meeting, questions were asked about fixing the holes in the street at the City’s Lock 7 Park. The Mayor said she was still working on fixing the potholes and until that was done the park gates would be locked for safety reasons. Councilman Woodruff requested a time when the City Finance Committee could meet with Financial Adviser Ralph Liverman to work on the next fiscal year’s budget.

In response to a question from this reporter, the Mayor said that the Council had approved a plan to increase water and sewer rates as of October 1, 2024. The Council still plans to hold a public hearing on the rates, but the new rates were passed in an ordinance in the last meeting. The Council voted to suspend the rules and pass the ordinance with one reading, rather than two readings, that we reported in a prior newspaper.

This led to a question of when they were going to raise garbage rates which are billed on the same statement as water and sewer usage each month.