Council okays $10.5 million budget; honors POW/MIAs with proclamation
In its last meeting of the fiscal year, the Demopolis City Council Thursday passed a $10.5 million budget for 2021-2022.
Projected revenues for year are $10,593,444, and expenditures are estimated at $10,431,323, leaving a cushion of $162,122.
Taxes make up the bulk of the income at $9 million. General government expenses are expected to be $2.6 million; Fire and Police Departments at $1.94 million each, and debt reduction, $1.15 million.
Mayor Pro Tem Charles Jones Jr. presented a proclamation marking Sept. 17 as National POW/MIA Recognition Day to Keith Murray with the VFW. Murray said it is important to keep focus on soldiers who were prisoners of war or are still listed as missing in action since just recently about nine more remains were identified from Guadalcanal and Pearl Harbor.
Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce director David Lyons received the okay for the 50th annual Christmas on the River celebration Dec. 1-4. The vote also included the entertainment district for the event.
The only hiccup in this year’s plans is the construction at the City Landing expected to begin in October, although it should not interfere with the BBQ Cookoff in the George Franks Field.
The Council gave approval to Mayor Woody Collins to negotiate a contract with William Scott of TRISTATZ. The organization helps write grants for COVID relief funding. Since the city already has received its share of the funds, TRISTATZ would provide oversight.
The Council also voted to allow Jason Pendergrass to apply for more grants to construct a terminal building at the Demopolis Airport. Earlier bids came in considerably over the money budgeted for the project. Pendergrass told councilmen that a rebid for infrastructure work only was won by Eaves Construction, and work should begin shortly.