Council tables Civic Center rate hike

Instead of passing new Civic Center rules, regulations and fees, the Demopolis City Council Thursday tabled any action until the next meeting to allow for further input.

Former councilman Mitchell Congress led those who spoke against a hike in rental fee from the current $500 to $900, saying a hike in rates will hinder those who would use the Civic Center.

“We need to have use of that building,” he said. “To put it out of range would be a travesty.”

Barbara Blevins, whose department operates the Civic Center, said the facility was rented 495 days over the last five years and brought in $247,500. Operating costs for the same period were $314,998.69, which did not include salaries.

At Congress’s suggestion, Mayor John Laney said he would take under advisement holding a public hearing on the rental fees.

Demopolis Fire Chief Keith Murray awarded a special helmet shield to Battalion Chief James Bailey for 25 years of service. Bailey is the fire marshal for the city and has “a really tough job,” Murray said. He is a “true steward of Demopolis.”

In accepting the shield, Bailey said, “I love what I do, and I plan on continuing to do it for a while longer.”

The Council approved raising municipal court costs by $10 to $35.50 for traffic cases and $25.50 to $90 for non-traffic cases. It also amended the golf cart ordinance passed earlier this year to state that the maximum number of riders shall be the same number of approved seats on the court.

Also approved was a request by Social Butterfly for a tax rebate. The Council approved a 1.5-cent, or 50 percent tax rebate, for three years, effective August 1.

Public hearings were held for two other ordinances, both zone changes, and votes will be held on them at the next meeting. The first concerns construction of a 180-foot tower at 3992 Hwy. 80 East to provide wi-fi service to a trailer park. The second is rezoning a strip of land at the intersection of U.S. Highway 43 and SportsPlex Drive to accommodate a digital sign.

Councilman Charles Jones Jr. said Wallace Community College Selma announced Thursday it will be taking over post-secondary instruction at the Demopolis Higher Education Center at the end of August.

Mayor Laney read a proclamation declaring August 18-25 as Demopolis Senior Adult Appreciation Week. He also announced that the SALT program held at the First United Methodist Church has received the 2019 Outstanding Service Award from the Southeast Association of Area Agencies on Aging.