Council suspends lodging tax

The Demopolis City Council Thursday suspended the local lodging tax through Dec. 31, an effort to aid local motels.

The tax originally was levied to help cover the costs of the Babe Ruth tournament last August. The tax will be reinstated on Jan. 1, 2021.

Mayor John Laney said local motel owners had asked for help during the downturn in business since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure is retroactive to March 1.

The council also voted to approve the $30,000 grant from the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security) Act for the Demopolis Regional Airport to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus. Airport director Jason Pendergrass said the funds will be used for operations and projects.

No action was taken on a contract with Alabama Power to replace light poles along U.S. Hwy. 80. Council members had questions on the cost, the number of poles and the possibility of receiving grants to help pay for the project. Mayor Laney said he would find out the answers and report at the May 21 meeting.

City Clerk Sam Gross told the Council that the last date to change locations for the August election is May 25. She will have recommendations for the Council to consider at the next meeting.

Councilman Harris Nelson said Olen Kerby is completing his first term on the Demopolis City Schools Board of Education. Kerby is eligible to be reappointed, but Harris asked members to have any other candidates ready to be considered at the next meeting.

Councilman Bill Meador reminded Demopolis residents of the golf cart ordinance. He said he has seen several carts being driven by underage children.

The only other action taken by the Council was approval of the March financials.