City hires tax collection agency

In a plan to save money and make money for the city, the Demopolis City Council Thursday unanimously voted to have Avenu Insights & Analytics collect lodging, rental and sales taxes.

The company also will collect fees from businesses who set up in Demopolis but never paid for a license.

At the last Council meeting, Avenu representative Audrey Freeman estimated the city could save almost $50,000 over what it currently is charged. Mayor Woody Collins said the proposal was especially attractive since there is no long-term contract. Avenu will serve the city during the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

The Council accepted an offer to purchase a lot at 514 S. Front St. for $2,800. The prospective owner plans to build a house on the site. The sales price covers the cost to the city of demolition and maintenance of the property.

Phase Two of the paving project in the city got the go-ahead from the Council after it reviewed the list of additional roads to be paved should money be left over.

Phase One of the project saw 39 streets in Demopolis repaved. The second phase adds another 16 streets, and they are among the roads that need the most work.

Councilman Nathan Hardy said the residents in the French Creek area requested the placement of nine street lights. Black Warrior Electric Coop. will charge $9 a month for erecting and maintaining the light poles. The Council voted unanimously to obtain the lights.

Will Collins, representing the Liberty Learning Foundation, asked the city for $1,500 for the annual 10-week civics course. The group usually works with second graders at Westside Elementary and fifth graders as U.S. Jones Elementary. Because of the pandemic only USJ students will be part of the program this year. Collins said the cost to put on the program is $7,200, money raised from donations and contributions. The Council awarded him $1,000.

The ongoing problem with raw sewage running behind Richard Fountain’s home will soon be resolved. At the last Council meeting it was reported the source of the problem had been located, and the homeowners were given until Jan. 28 to correct it or have their water turned off. Inspectors found a plumber on site on that date and extended the deadline 10 days.

In other action the Council approved the December 2020 financials, the budget for 2020-2021 and a request from the Demopolis Fire and Rescue to apply for a non-matching grant to replace old equipment.

Councilman David McCants said better lighting is needed on U.S. Hwy. 80 W, but initial estimates from Alabama Power came in at $380,000. Council members said the city probably will need to apply for a grant to pay for new lighting.

Councilman Charles Jones Jr. asked city project manager Mike Baker to see about improving the dangerous ditch on Cedar Street between Lyon and Monroe.