Council member cautions, ‘We need to stop the bleeding’

Demopolis City Council member Bill Meador cautioned the city’s department heads that expense cuts will be a priority when next year’s budget rolls around.

“The auditor made it clear to us in no uncertain terms that we need to stop the bleeding of reserves,” Meador said at Wednesday evening’s meeting at Rooster Hall. “We’ve got to find ways to cut expenses. We’ll be looking at the department heads to help find ways to throttle those back. We cannot keep drawing on our reserves.”

Meador’s comments came after Mayor Mike Grayson gave a preliminary revenue projection of $9,093,600 for Fiscal Year 2014-15, which begins in Oct. 1. The council’s finance committee will continue working on a proposed budget over the next few weeks.

In other matters Wednesday, City Attorney Bill Poole praised Demopolis Police Officer Cody Key for his work on getting overgrown lots cleaned up. “He is doing an effective job working with property owners to get those lots cut,” Poole said.

The attorney added that he is focusing on the dilapidated properties at 609 W. Pettus and the former Newton Tire building on U.S. 80, both of which were destroyed by fire. He said he is getting estimates on demolishing those properties.

Grayson expressed particular concern about the Newton Tire building. “I think the council will agree, especially on Highway 80, that it’s time for action,” the mayor said. “I’m not sure what that will be, but it’s time to get something done.”

The council heard Demopolis resident Will Moore Jr. express concern about erratic garbage pickup on Thursdays at 1824 Eaton Drive, as well as other residences on his street. He said there are no problems with Monday pickup. Grayson told Moore he will speak with Arrow Disposal about the issue.

The mayor read a portion of an e-mail from Jason Cannon, representing Demopolis Dixie Youth Softball, praising the Sports-Plex crew for their excellent work during the recent District 8 tournament. The e-mail stated that the crew “kept the fields in immaculate condition” despite uncooperative weather.

A total of 31 games were played involving 19 teams.

The council accepted lone bids of $250 for a surplus 2000 Crown Victoria and $350 for a set of tires.